"The goal of the project is to develop efficient algae production systems that allow for the capture of emissions from coal burning power plants and then to extract the algae oil from the biomass and produce biodiesel using the Mcgyan process. This technology could then one day be transferred to the farm. The potential for biodiesel production from algae is vast; using less than 3% of our current crop land we could produce the 63 billion gallons of bio-diesel fuel that we currently need in the United States. Thus all of our diesel fuel could be produced domestically. This would also have a tremendous effect on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and solve the issue of food versus fuel since algae is not a food and it can be grown on land that is not used for food production."

This is how the club's owner, Ivan Kane, describes his brand of burlesque.

Ivan Kane: The key component would be to have girls who were dancers taking their clothes off, not just girls taking their clothes off.

Next week, my staff will hold Mobile Office Hours at FARMFEST. They will be on hand to talk to you about any issues you may be having with a federal agency or program and to talk to you about your thoughts and concerns on current events and legislation. If you are having a specific problem with a federal benefit or program and have letters or documents that might help my staff get answers for you quickly, please bring copies of that paperwork when you visit.

The basic plot of A Wild Hare, which centers on Elmer Fudd's hopeless pursuit of the much smarter Bugs, would serve as a template for many subsequent cartoons. In addition, many of the specific gags and plot devices in this cartoon became part of the template for later Bugs/Elmer confrontations, with subsequent shorts repeating them or varying them for comic effect. Examples include Elmer failing to recognise Bugs as a rabbit, Bugs kissing Elmer,^[6] and Bugs feigning death.

Finally, the frustrated Elmer driven to distraction by the rabbit's antics, walks away sobbing about "wabbits, cawwots, guns", etc. Bugs tells the audience, "Ya know, I think the poor guy's screwy!" Bugs then begins to play his carrot like a fife, playing the tune The Girl I Left Behind Me, and marches with one stiff leg towards his rabbit hole, as with the fifer in the painting, The Spirit of '76.

Brandon Lerch, who has been press secretary to King, is departing to head up the re-election campaign for Rep. Michele Bachmann, a Minnesota Republican elected in 2006.

A transcript of King's comments made at a Republican fundraiser in Boulder's Conference Center showed he compared illegal immigrants to stray cats that wind up on people's porches. King said at first stray cats help by chasing mice, so people feed them. King added that the stray cats then have kittens, which are liked for their cuteness, but eventually the strays, fed by the people, end up getting lazy, just like illegal immigrants. King would not comment on what he said on that day. Sioux City Journal, 10-13-2006

Mr. King said about the recently killed al-Zarqawi, "There probably are not 72 virgins in the hell he's at. And if there are, they probably all look like Helen Thomas." Helen Thomas was an 85-year-old award-winning journalist at the time. Most Iowans don't insult old ladies. (The quote is from a recording transcribed by Radio Iowa at the 2006 Iowa Republican convention.) Sioux City Journal, 6-22-2006

"... My wife lives here with me, and I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, she's at far greater risk being a civilian in Washington, D.C., than an average civilian in Iraq." Of course, King is completely wrong and is comparing apples and oranges -- the city of Baghdad has a murder rate about three times higher than the city of Washington D.C. June 6, 2006 on the floor of the House of Representatives

"I don't want to disparage anyone because of their race, their ethnicity, their name, whatever the religion of their father might have been." Said Congressman Steven Arnold King in a radio interview March 7th, just before he disparaged Senator Barack Obama's race, ethnicity, name and father's religion. He continued, "I'll just say this, that when you think about the optics of a Barack Obama potentially getting elected president of the United States, I mean, what does this look like to the rest of the world? What does this look like to the world of Islam?... And I will tell you that if he IS elected president, then the radical Islamists, the al Qaida and the radical Islamists and their supporters will be dancing in the streets in greater numbers than they did on September 11th." Specifically regarding Obama's middle name: "It does matter. His middle name does matter. It matters because they read meaning into that and the rest of the world, it has special meaning to them. They'll be dancing in the streets because of his middle name. They'll be dancing in the streets because of who his father was ... So there are implications that have to do with who he is and the positions that he has taken ... There will be dancing in the streets if he's elected president and that has a chilling effect on how difficult it will be to ever win this global war on terror." Odd, isn't it, that middle names are so very important to a man apparently named after a famous American traitor? You can watch the interview here. You can see the AP story here, and you can see Congressman King defend his remarks on FOX News here.

Yet, for all of this attention and media coverage (most of which is with outlets far away from her district) her latest FEC report reflects a candidate being propped up, not by those in her district or even those in the corporate world but rather, by the helping hand of over 40 leadership PACS and campaign committees of ultra-conservative candidates across the country. These groups typically seek to help candidates in vulnerable districts and not candidates in areas deemed safe. Perhaps this swell of support from her "friends" in Congress is less indicative of friendship and more indicative of a campaign afraid of just how vulnerable it actually has become.

So, how vulnerable is Michele Bachmann? Well, if these contributions are any indicator, she is nearly $100,000 worth of vulnerable.

Rep. Blunt’s ethics issues stem from his abuse of his position for the benefit of his family, including providing legislative assistance to his wife and son and using his clout to solicit contributions for another son’s campaign. Details of Rep. Blunt’s egregious activities can be found at www.beyonddelay.org.

On September 26, 2005, Barton introduced the Gasoline for America's Security Act of 2005 to the House of Representatives in what he said was a response to the present energy crisis. The most significant part of the bill gave the authority for the government to subsidize the construction of new refineries for petrochemical companies, despite the fact that the oil companies had intentionally been closing down refineries for years prior to the hurricanes. It would allow for oil companies to construct refineries on military bases and government controlled areas offshore. The bill also included a clause in which several environmental restrictions on the oil companies would be repealed.^{[citation needed]}

The bill passed by two votes on October 7, 2005, with a narrow 212-210 vote. The bill, which was supposed to be open for vote for only five minutes, was held on the floor for almost 50 minutes, to the chagrin of Democrats who chanted "Shame! Shame!"[6] During that time, the Washington Post reported that Rep. Tom DeLaymoderate Republicans who were originally opposed to the legislation, ultimately convincing them to vote for the bill. Environmentalists and their allies from both parties argued that the country could not stand any relaxation of the Clean Air Act.^{[citation needed]} (R-Tex) twisted the arms of

The critics argued that the oil companies themselves should be paying the construction costs of new refineries in a year when they were getting ready to announce industry-record profits, especially since they had been the ones who shut down now-needed refineries just four years earlier.^{[citation needed]}

From 1995 to 2001, American oil companies shut down 24 oil refineries along the West Coast. Gas prices in the mid-1990s were low — too low for the likes of the oil companies. Refineries were operating efficiently, producing large quantities of gasoline and therefore cheapening the cost of gas at the pump.^{[citation needed]}

According to opensecrets.org, a watchdog group that monitors monetary contributions to politicians, Barton alone has received close to $2 million in campaign contributions from energy companies and their political action committees since he has been in office. The oil and gas industry has been the top industry contributor to his campaign. This does not include contributions from individuals who work for petrochemical companies, though. Last year, employees from Anadarko Petroleum alone, contributed $50,000, opensecrets.org reports.

The New Republic magazine has called Barton a "Big Oil lackey." According to TNRHurricane Katrina to jam through still more energy subsidies, ease environmental regulations on refineries, and press for more offshore oil and gas drilling." writer Michael Crowley, "Barton champions a pro-industry agenda with no apparent concern for appearances. Just two months after [the Gasoline for America's Security Act], he exploited concerns over energy supplies in the aftermath of

"Many people have asked me to run. I decided to do so because there was a need. If it were possible as a woman to support Mr. Olson I would but I can't in good conscience, therefore I stepped forward," she said.

Rep. Mark Olson did not receive his party's endorsement to run for his own seat in the house. District 16 B Republicans nominated former Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer. Olson was ejected from the State Republican Caucus after being found guilty of one count of domestic abuse last year. He is running with the support of his wife, Heidi.

Today, I am introducing legislation that will restore balance to our tax code and do something unusual: help reduce the national debt. My bill will be a jump-start to this slumping economy. It will double the standard deduction for the next 2 years, providing an annual savings of $750 to 61 million Americans. It will expand access to the child tax credit and provide relief on property tax.

My legislation allows the middle class to keep their income and does so in a fiscally responsible manner, by fully being paid for.

House backs $1 billion initiative to upgrade nation's bridges

The $1 billion bridge reconstruction program -- Congress' first nationwide response to the Interstate 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis last summer -- would ensure that states beef up inspections and upgrade bridges that are deemed the most critical to safety.

The new federally mandated system has run into resistance from officials in Minnesota and elsewhere who say they are better positioned to decide which bridges are in the most urgent need of repair. Minnesota transportation officials say they have already begun to realign their bridge priorities in response to the bridge collapse.

"The concern is valid," said Brad Larsen, a federal relations manager for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). "Some of the things the bill is asking for we're already doing. And we're likely to continue doing them whether or not the bill passes."

Bill prevents imminent, unprecedented EPA regulations on boaters and protects water resources

July 23, 2008—Yesterday, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) hailed the passage of H.R. 5949/S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008, in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Passage of this legislation, which has been the top legislative priority for NMMA during the 110th Congress, will permanently and fully restore a longstanding, commonsense regulation that excludes recreational boaters and anglers from the federal and state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act designed for land-based industrial facilities and ocean-going commercial ships.

Introduced by Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) in the Senate and by Representatives Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio) and Candice Miller (R-Mich.) in the House, the Clean Boating Act of 2008 will prevent federal and state permitting of water-based, non-polluting incidental discharges that occur in the normal operation of a recreational boat, such as weather deck run-off and engine coolant water.

“The Senate and House have acted swiftly, and we appreciate the bipartisan nature of their action to protect the recreational marine industry, the American boating public and our natural resources. This is an historic victory for our 1,700 members and for boaters across the nation who just love being out on the water unencumbered by unnecessary government red tape and significant legal jeopardy,” said Scott Gudes, NMMA vice president of government relations. “Congress has acted decisively to keep boating fun, safe and simple.”

This new regulation, set to become law on October 1, 2008 if Congress had not acted, was the result of an overbroad federal court decision in a case focused on commercial ship ballast water. The unintended consequence of the decision would have meant that recreational boaters and other vessel operators would be required to follow a multitude of new rules and regulations and been exposed to fines (up to $32,500 per day, per violation) and citizen lawsuits.

“Both the House and Senate have sent a positive message to the nation’s 73 million boaters through the passage of these critical pieces of legislation” noted NMMA president, Thom Dammrich. “After a long road on Capitol Hill, the bill is now ready for the President’s signature into law. We encourage the President to act fast in signing this bill to stave off unprecedented and unnecessary new regulations on America’s boaters and anglers.”

Passage of the Clean Boating Act, a genuine bipartisan, good-government bill, was made possible by a large number of committed legislators on both sides of the political aisle. NMMA extends its special thanks to Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Mel Martinez (R-Fla.), Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and all of the 39 cosponsors of the bill in the Senate. In the House, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee James Oberstar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member John Mica (R-Fla.), Representatives Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio), Candice Miller (R-Mich.), Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) and all the many cosponsors of the bill are to be thanked and congratulated for their hard work and skillful leadership.

At the same time it passed the Clean Boating Act, Congress also passed H.R. 6556/S. 3278, legislation to provide a moratorium on permitting for commercial vessel discharges until the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completes a review of certain incidental discharges. This legislation was the product of extensive negotiations between Senators Murkowski, Boxer, Nelson and Murray as well as Representatives Oberstar, Taylor and others. NMMA congratulates these Members of Congress on achieving this consensus measure to provide relief for commercial craft.

NMMA and BoatU.S., along with more than 60 partners in the Boat Blue Coalition, led the charge to attain passage of the Clean Boating Act of 2008.

About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.

Aviation Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends federal transportation law to establish in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) an Aviation Safety Whistleblower Investigation Office to receive and assess complaints and information relating to possible violations of aviation safety laws and regulations. Directs the FAA Administrator to modify the FAA customer service initiative, mission and vision statements, and other policy statements to:
(1) remove any reference to air carriers or other entities regulated by the FAA as "customers";
(2) clarify that in regulating safety the only FAA customers are individuals traveling on aircraft; and
(3) clarify that air carriers and other entities regulated by the FAA do not have the right to select the FAA employees who will inspect their operations. Prohibits any person holding an air carrier operating certificate from knowingly employing, or contracting with, an individual to act as an agent or representative of the certificate holder in any matter before the FAA if, in the preceding two-year period, the individual:
(1) served as, or was responsible for oversight of, an FAA flight standards inspector; and
(2) had responsibility to inspect, or oversee inspection of, the operations of the certificate holder. Prohibits any individual serving as a principal maintenance inspector of the FAA from being responsible for overseeing the operations of a single air carrier for a continuous period of more than five years. Directs the FAA Administrator to establish a process by which the FAA air transportation oversight system database is reviewed by a team of FAA employees on a monthly basis to ensure that:
(1) any trends in regulatory compliance are identified; and
(2) appropriate corrective actions are taken.

To be honest I had forgot about that blog. I haven't posted on it for some time now. I had tried to get into blogging a while ago as a way to help keep people informed as well as a way to vent frustration. Much like you seem to do. I found however that with a new family and work, I couldn't seem to find much time to devote to the blog, so it never really went anywhere. Since it was free and there was no renewal charge, I never thought much of closing it down. I think it's great that you are able to find the time to blog as often as you do; it looks like a hobby you really enjoy.

In response to the specific question you had for me. That picture was one that was emailed to me a long time ago. I was trying to remember when I got it, and I think it was when I was still working in Buffalo, which would have been sometime before 2003. I didn't create the picture, since to be honest I wouldn't have the slightest idea how to use Photoshop. That being said, I don't teach my son to use words like that. In case you are interested my son Hunter's first word was "Dada" his second was "deer" and his third was "duck". He doesn't talk a lot yet, but he sure does try hard. As a parent I'm sure you get as big of a kick out of kids trying to learn how to talk and experience life for the first time as much as I do. I know my wife, who I am in love with more and more each day gets as big of a kick out of it as you and I do. I would like to think that we have a great family, and a very happy home. Although I'm sure every father and husband thinks that about their family. Right? I don't support kids using bad language nor do I support hitting a woman. I'm sure my wife and anyone who knows me would say I am a great father and husband. (Or at least I hope so).

In the short 18 months I have been a father I have already tried to teach my son right from wrong. He knows that throwing his food on the floor is wrong, but sometimes kids do things that they think are funny that mom and dad don't. I know we learn at a pretty young age when things are meant to be a joke and when they are meant to be taken seriously. I'm sure you know also. I am very much pro-family, but I also understand that every now and again we need humor in our lives. Is hitting a woman humor? No. Is a child using bad language humor? No. Do I know when something is meant as outside of reality humor? Yes.

Thank you again for your email, please email me any time.

Enjoy the summer!

Thank you,

Joshua Behling

www.joshuabehling.com

Lisa Fobbe Announces Senate Campaign
DFLer Promises to Continue Wergin’s Bipartisan Approach

For Immediate Release
Contact: NAME OF PERSON
PHONE NUMBER
E-MAIL ADDRESS

ZIMMERMAN—Lisa Fobbe, the chairwoman of the Princeton Public School District Board and the Oakland Cooperative School Board, announced her candidacy for the Senate District 16 seat being vacated by incumbent Betsy Wergin.

A DFLer, Fobbe said she’ll work hard to continue the bipartisan approach Wergin, a Republican, championed during her six years in office.

“The political bomb-throwers are the ones who get all the attention,” Fobbe said. “But they’re not getting anything done for Minnesota. I will continue to reach across the isle and look beyond party labels. Minnesotans don’t care who’s a Republican and who’s a Democrat. They’re looking for leaders willing to do the hard work to get things done and that’s the approach I’ll bring to the Capitol.”

Fobbe also serves on the Minnesota State High School League Board and is a director on the Minnesota School Board Association. She has worked as director of youth ministry and religious education for the Archdiocese of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and as a child care counselor for an Amhurst Wilder Foundation residential treatment center.

In 2006, Fobbe won the Princeton Rotary Club distinguished service award and in 2007 was a candidate for the Princeton Chamber of Commerce’s volunteer of the year award.

“In serving the community, I know people have real concerns about Minnesota’s future,” Fobbe said. “But we can accomplish anything if our political leaders are willing to empower the people who make our state great.”

Fobbe has a degree in social work from the College of St. Benedict and lives in Zimmerman with her husband, Americo Fraboni, and their three children, Angelo (18), Domenic (15), and Gino (12).

For more information, call 763-389-9584

Mr. Behling,

Would you like to comment on your photoshopped image of an infant child using curse words currently found on your blog? Do you often advocate children using such language? Is it your belief that hitting women is in some way humorous?

Thank You

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