President Obama Stops Keystone XL for Economic Reasons

The announcement came today that President Obama has rejected the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline due to its economic instability going forward.

The Bad Economics of the Keystone XL Pipeline

While many environmentalists would have liked to see the pipeline shut down for its negative environmental impact, the President has halted its development in the Northern US for other reasons - it will provide limited or no long term economic value to the country.

The Dwindling Economics of the Fracking Boom

In addition to the economic instability of the pipeline, there are reports that show just how intensely the fracking boom has also taken a hit that has left major natural gas companies scrambling to stay afloat (and some that have folded) as NG production tapers off.

People's Climate Movement: National Day of Action

The People's Climate Movement is led a National Day of Action on October 14.

While this year's event is over, you can see where events were held and to be active next year, to find a National Day of Action Movement near you, or the nearest one, click on this link to go the site's map.

Or, to learn more about The People's Climate Movement, click here and visit the about us page.

Just sharing a quick link...

As Fracking Booms In Ohio, Legislators Act Modestly To Address Public Safety Concerns

The Frack Facts Facebook Page associated with this site has seen some activity lately, more than what's happening here, so I wanted to make sure anyone interested has a chance to keep up with information dropping there.

Spring (and Any Time) Gardening Tips

Nothing to do with fracking - just a friendly article on enjoying gardening (a relaxing environmental escape)

Here are ten spring gardening tips to help make gardening an enjoyable experience and a brief buying guide for garden supplies.

After a long winter it is like a breath of fresh air to start thinking about putting in a garden. Gardening can be hard work as well as great exercise - not to mention the fresh, healthy foods and pretty flowers you get to enjoy.

1. First, don't expect to do everything in one day. Gardening should be enjoyable so plan to do the work in steps. Try to plan ahead. The whole task will be more fun and relaxing.
2. Gather the gardening supplies that help with comfort issues. Get a good pair of gloves (available at any hardware store, department store, or garden center - like Wal-mart). Good gloves reduce blisters.
3. Also, invest in a sturdy knee pad (or a gardening stool). This is vital to personal comfort for a gardener. Knee pads put a cushioned layer between knees and jutting rocks. I also tend to notice less back strain after using a knee pad. Lowe's is one store that carries durable knee pads.
4. Getting gardening tools together is the next important step. It is best to get the highest quality tools you can afford. I can't tell you how many cheap spades I have had to throw away because they fell apart. The basic tools you will find useful are a spade, shovel, hoe, and a Hound Dog garden cultivator which is available at Home Depot.
5. Make a plan - how detailed is up to you, but the more specific you are about how big your garden is going to be - the less likely you will be to waste money by buying too many plants or seeds.
6. Get information about the plants you want to grow. Some plants do not thrive when planted beside other plants (like tomatoes and potatoes). It is best to consider what you want to plant in each area.
7. Start looking at seed and plant choices. Burpee's seeds can be purchased through Burpee.com and at many stores. Check how tall each plant grows and how far it will spread out. Watermelon plants, for example, spread out and take a lot of space while caged or staked tomatoes grow in a more upright manner. Tomato cages can be purchased at Lowe's, Home Depot and most garden supply centers.
8. Decide if you want to grow your plants from seed or purchase plants. It is cheaper to grow the plants from seed but it can be difficult for new gardeners to get seedlings to grow and naturalize properly.
9. If you decide to start your garden from seed you can get an early start on your garden. Starting the seeds inside a few weeks before planting time (directions will be on the seed packets) helps you get more produce from your plants by extending the growing season a bit. Peat pellets that expand when watered are nice. You just set the seed on top and the pellet expends around it when watered. I have found them at Menard's and also Burpee.com.
10. Cultivate the ground well before setting your plants or seeds. Aerated ground is more receptive to tender plant roots and also offers better drainage. Then start planting and maintaining for your garden.

Gardening can be a fun and rewarding experience. It is also a lot of work. With a the right supplies and a little planning it is well worth the effort.

Have You Ever Wondered What a MSDS Is?

Basic information about material safety data sheets, or MSDS for short.

How Material Safety Data Sheets Are Used

The acronym MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet. OSHA, the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as state and local agencies govern the administration of material safety data sheets. MSDS sheets provide information about chemical hazards encountered in the workplace.

What are MSDS business management purposes? The information included in a Material Safety Data Sheet helps an organization's management team provide proper safety equipment for workers. Businesses are required to provide workers with access to MSDS when asked by workers.

What exactly are MSDS worker uses? Workers can read a MSDS to find out what dangers they face when handling hazardous materials. Knowing the dangers tells workers what personal protective equipment is needed to perform jobs safely. Reading a material safety data sheet also gives workers the opportunity to respond effectively in the event of a chemical spill of fire.

What are the transportation uses of a MSDS? A carrier has the responsibility to safely deliver materials to their destinations. Material Safety Data Sheets provide information for the carrier about safe handling of hazardous materials.

How do safety forces use a MSDS? In the event of a serious injury or chemical spill, safety workers are able to learn about any special treatments needed by victims exposed to the material. Information about the flash point of the chemicals involved also lets them know what they are dealing with in regards to potential explosions or inhalant dangers.

What are the government purposes of a MSDS? Government offices - the EPA for example - refer to the MSDS to get information about the proper way to clean up chemical spills and potential environmental damage. OSHA inspectors would also need to confirm that workers exposed to hazardous materials are wearing personal protective equipment based on a MSDS.

What manufacturer contact information is included on a MSDS? If the manufacturer has an emergency hot-line it will be listed on the MSDS along with their general contact information. This allows them to offer immediate response to a problem a worker experiences with their product.

MSDS References:
Hazard Communication: Foundation of Workplace Safety Programs
MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheets
MSDS FAQ - Regulations

June 2014

I have been SO lazy about updating this site...


Sorry, dear readers, for the lack of activity here. If you follow the Frack Facts facebook page, you'll see there was a bit of activity there recently, mainly from folk in other countries as they become aware of the fracking debate and its spread across their lands.


Check back for updates, as there are a few links and data I plan to share here.