Trump signs order undoing Obama climate change policies / why Trump’s climate order won’t bring back many coal jobs

The president said this would put an end to the "war on coal" and "job-killing regulations".President Donald Trump has signed an executive order rolling back Obama-era rules aimed at curbing climate change.

The Energy Independence Executive Order suspends more than half a dozen measures enacted by his predecessor, and boosts fossil fuels.

Business groups have praised the Trump administration's move but environmental campaigners have condemned it.

Inside, the president was flanked by coal miners as he signed the order, saying: "My administration is putting an end to the war on coal.

coal mining employment is in decline for a wide variety of reasons: automation of mining; competition from cheap natural gas in the power sector; collapsing demand at steel mills in China. Environmental rules are only a part of the story, and, as many experts have pointed out, repealing those rules won’t bring back many jobs. At best, it would slow the decline In the years ahead.

And there’s a fairly simple way to see this.

The biggest thing Trump’s new order would do to help the coal industry is try to repeal or shrink the Clean Power Plan, which forces emissions reductions in the electricity sector. As it happens, the US Energy Information Administration modeled the effects of CPP repeal on America’s coal use earlier this year. The agency estimated that without the CPP, US coal consumption would rebound to … roughly 2015 levels:

He is not helping anyone but those who continue to line their pockets with profits off hard workers who are stuck in communities dependent on the coal and older practices  

Mr Trump has in the past said climate change had been "created by and for the Chinese". It is now unclear where exactly the US stands in relation to the deal. 

The president's order will be resisted by environmentalists, who have promised to challenge it in the courts.

Whatever the US chooses, the EU, India and China say they will stick to their pledges made in Paris.

http://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/3/28/15088350/trump-climate-order-coal-jobs

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39415631

Animal friendly Six-Pack Holders

Saltwater Brewery a craft brewing company in Florida promotes lifestyle that revolves around the ocean. Their goal is to maintain the world’s greatest wonder by giving back to the ocean through Ocean Based Charities (CCA, Surfrider, Ocean Foundation, MOTE).

 "Our passion for making Quality Beer for you is the way we can ensure we give back to the ocean as much as possible! Come with us to "Explore the Depths of Beer","

Most plastic beer six‐pack rings end up in our oceans and pose a serious threat to wildlife. Together with WeBelievers, Saltwater Brewery ideated, designed, tested and prototyped the first ever Edible Six Pack Rings. A six‐pack packaging, made with byproducts of the beer making process, that instead of killing animals, feeds them. They are also 100% biodegradable and compostable.

If you see one let us know and spread the word on this great idea
http://www.saltwaterbrewery.com/home/

 

“The Breathing Earth,”

NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterSatellite instruments reveal the yearly cycle of plant life on the land and in the water. On land, the images represent the density of plant growth, while in the oceans they show the chlorophyll concentration from tiny, plant-like organisms called phytoplankton. From December to February, during the northern hemisphere winter, plant life in the higher latitudes is minimal and receives little sunlight. However, even in the mid latitudes plants are dormant, shown here with browns and yellows on the land and dark blues in the ocean. By contrast the southern ocean and land masses are at the height of the summer season and plant life is revealed with dark green colors on the land and in the ocean. As the year progresses, the situations reverses, with plant life following the increased sunlight northward, while the southern hemisphere experiences decreased plant actvity during its' winter.

Rather than showing a specific year, the animation shows an average yearly cycle by combining data from many satellite instruments and averaging them over multiple years.

Western pond turtle recovery in Oregon

They survived the dinosaurs, but turtles worldwide are facing a modern extinction crisis, with half of all species at risk of disappearing.

Once common from Baja California to Puget Sound, the small, long-lived western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) is listed as endangered in Washington and threatened in Oregon. The Oregon Zoo works with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to help restore this shy reptile to its historic range through a unique head-starting program. As a result, Western pond turtle numbers are on the rise.

Adult turtles can live up to 70 years, nest on land and feed, breed and bask in water. They prefer streams, ponds, lakes and permanent wetlands, although their populations are much reduced and concentrated in a few locations.

Threats

Habitat loss draining and filling of wetlands, dams and water diversion deprive these aquatic reptiles of critical habitat	Invasive predators bullfrogs and largemouth bass prey on the vulnerable hatchlings
Shell disease an emergent disease affecting the shell, which can lead to paralysis and death in advances stages	Invasive plants when non-native plant species dominate, turtles can't excavate a nest, and the sun can't reach their nests

Successes and ongoing recovery work

In 1990, only two pond turtle sites were left in Washington. Today, six populations have been established with two in Puget Sound and four in the Columbia River Gorge. During the same period, more than 1,800 turtles have been head-started and released to these sites. Studies have revealed that an estimated 95 percent of turtles released in the Columbia River Gorge survived their first year.

READ MORE

Millions of honey bees are being killed because if the strong measures being taken to stop the spread of Zika through the mosquito population in South Carolina.

"On Saturday, it was total energy, millions of bees foraging, pollinating, making honey for winter," beekeeper Juanita Stanley said. "Today, it stinks of death. Maggots and other insects are feeding on the honey and the baby bees who are still in the hives. It's heartbreaking."

"Those that didn't die immediately were poisoned trying to drag out the dead," Stanley said. "Now, I'm going to have to destroy my hives, the honey, all my equipment. It's all contaminated."  Source cnn

This could have been prevented with a warning that spraying was going to happen. Even the firechief and hobbyist beekeeper did not know spraying was going to happen. Is this a poor communication error or a tactic to avoid a deley by proponents to spraying.

Hearing reports on my local radio WBZ it is happening in all areas Spraying is effective but blanketing instead of organizing a ground crew without warning is also harmful to our ecosystem and peoples health who are sensitive to this. There are other officials who seem like the mayor in Jaws putting health at risk to keep tourists coming by downplaying the dangers in the area. Contact your local and state authority people must know what is happening before another massacre.

 

How Houses Were kept cool before the age of AC

Earlier this summer, my next door was complaining to me about how costly his electric bill had gotten due to running his air conditioning system. I was shocked when we compared inside temperatures and bill amounts and realized that despite the fact that his house is a single-level home and about 70 years newer than my 1920’s split-level, his electric expense is considerably higher. “How can that be?” he asked “That drafty old house should cost you an arm and a leg!” I replied “I guess they just don’t make them like they used to!” Not until the last few weeks did I realize just how right I was. That conversation got me thinking about all the things about older homes that are basically designed to conserve energy.
It makes sense, really. Air conditioning systems didn’t become a common feature in American homes until after World War II, and homes built before then had to have architectural and strategic features to help them and their residents stay cool in the summer. Here is a breakdown of some of those features, as well as a few extra tricks used by our grandparents’ generation to avoid melting during the sweltering heat of summer back in the “old days” before we became reliant on air conditioning.

Interior Controls:

Wall Thickness
One of the biggest things about older homes that helped them conserve energy was the thickness of the walls. The exterior walls of many quality older homes were made of brick or stone, which provided a great deal of insulation and protection from the outside weather. In fact, in southern states where the weather got especially hot in the summer, brick and stone walls were commonly made 12-24 inches thick, a huge difference from the 2×4 or 2×6 lumber used in most modern construction.
While the thick stone walls kept heat from penetrating the house during the day, they did absorb heat, which could more easily be eliminated from the homes later in the day when cooler night air prevailed. Which brings me to my second point:

Airflow, Airflow, Airflow!
 The split-level designs of many older homes featured open stairwells that freely and naturally allowed warm air to rise to the upper levels. In fact, some older homes even had turrets or towers that sat above the living spaces of the home to collect heat and allow it to be vented from the home. Even without turrets, however, strategic opening of windows in the home maximized the flow of cool air through the home. For example, if the wind was from the west, basement or first-floor windows would be opened on that side of the house, and on the opposite side of the house, windows on the second floor would be opened to essentially draw cool air through the house and eliminate heat with the natural force of the outside breeze. Fans could also be used to increase this effect.

In southern states, where basements are not as common, many homes would actually be built on top of blocks that allowed breeze to flow underneath the living space of the house all the time.
Higher Ceilings & Larger Windows

Another way that older homes facilitated air movement and removing heat from living space was through higher ceilings. Most modern homes are built with 8 foot ceilings being the standard, but in the pre-air era, ceilings of 10-14 feet were very common. Naturally, heat tended to rise to the ceiling while lower areas stayed cooler. Ceiling fans also encouraged this effect, commonly used to draw heat upward in summer months and to blow it downward in cooler months.
Another way that warm air could be eliminated from rooms in older homes was through transoms, which were essentially small windows over doorways. Transoms were very common in older homes, both over interior and exterior doors to vent heat from the highest points of the room. Over exterior doors, hinges and special hardware allowed the transoms to be easily opened to allow airflow but still provided a degree of security to the home.
Transoms weren’t the only way windows were used differently in the old days, of course. Many older and historic homes had extra-large, double-hung windows. During the day, the top window could be opened to allow heat to escape near the ceiling, and at night, the bottom window would be opened to let cooler air inside. Not only did windows tend to be larger in the days before air-conditioning, there also tended to be more of them. To control the heat of direct sunlight pouring through these windows, large, heavy drapes were often used. Though there were other ways to control the effects of the sun, which brings me to my next point:
Read more

Portugal runs for four days straight on renewable energy alone

AP Photo/Armando Franca

 

Portugal kept its lights on with renewable energy alone for four consecutive days last week in a clean energy milestone revealed by data analysis of national energy network figures.

Electricity consumption in the country was fully covered by solar, wind and hydro power in an extraordinary 107-hour run that lasted from 6.45am on Saturday 7 May until 5.45pm the following Wednesday, the analysis says.
News of the zero emissions landmark comes just days after Germany announced that clean energy had powered almost all its electricity needs on Sunday 15 May, with power prices turning negative at several times in the day – effectively paying consumers to use it.

READ MORE



Arthur Neslen

Wednesday 18 May 2016 09.59 EDT Last modified on Thursday 19 May 2016 11.57 EDT

Plastic in fish highlights need for cleaner Thames

By Jonathan Amos BBC Science Correspondent

Up to three-quarters of fish sampled from the River Thames have been found to have plastic fibres in their gut.

The Royal Holloway study was small and looked at just two species - but it highlights, say scientists, the pressing issue of plastic waste in London's great waterway.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the curse of litter.

It wants public support to stop plastic from getting into the Thames.

The PLA has teamed with other groups, including the charity Thames21, to ask people to "Do The Right Thing" and make sure any rubbish they have goes securely into a bin.

"This is not just a problem along the river; it's affected by litter from across London," explained the authority's environment manager, Tanya Ferry.

"So you might discard plastic near Buckingham Palace or Selfridges but if it gets into the drains, those drains could potentially discharge into the Thames and carry those plastic pieces with them."

The PLA has 16 barges positioned on the river to catch floating debris. Called "passive driftwood collectors", these devices are increasingly catching plastic, not fallen tree branches.

Some 400 tonnes of rubbish are being caught annually, and while that mass has stayed fairly stable over time, its volume has shot up, indicating that discarded plastic is on the rise.

Biologists Found a Crazy Solution to That Deadly Amphibian Fungus

Maddie Stone

In an first-of-its-kind victory, a team of biologists has figured out how to clear ponds of the lethal chytrid fungus that’s decimating amphibian populations worldwide. (Spoiler: It’s pretty damn intense).

As reported this week in Biology Letters, biologists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and elsewhere have eliminated the deadly fungus from four out of five mountain ponds located on the Spanish island of Mallorca. The ponds are home to the rare Mallorca midwife toad (Alytes muletensis), which, for the first time in years, seems like it may have a future.

“This study represents a major breakthrough in the fight against this highly-destructive pathogen; for the first time we have managed to rid wild individuals of infection for a continued period,” biologist Trenton Garner of the ZSL said in a statement.

The effort to eliminate the chytrid pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd)—which eats its way into the host frog’s skin, causing it to harden into a fingernail-like substance—began in 2008. For several years, scientists hiked out into the remote wilderness to capture and treat Mallorcan midwife tadpoles with anti-fungal drugs. It didn’t work. Neither did draining ponds, letting the ground bake in the summer sun, and reintroducing tadpoles in the rainy season. And so, a few years back, the biologists declared war.

First removing all the tadpoles they could find, the team drained five ponds and blasted the muddy ground with Virkon S, a laboratory disinfectant that kills, well, just about everything. The sequestered tadpoles were treated with anti-fungal drugs and reintroduced once the ponds had been replenished with clean water.

So far, the blitzkrieg appears to have been effective. Says Science News:

After months, the researchers returned the cured toad population. For more than two years now, four of the five ponds have had no infected tadpoles. The fifth pond is getting a second treatment.

Obviously, this is an extremely invasive procedure that’s not going to work everywhere. But it’s heartening to see any signs of progress in the fight against this awful disease. Spread across the world by traveling men and women, Bd has precipitated the catastrophic die-off or extinction of at least 200 species of frogs on five continents. Thanks to air travel, amphibians are now a poster child for the sixth mass extinction.

As they say, desperate times calls for desperate measures.

[Science News]

---

Follow the author @themadstone

Jurassic park is wrong about Condors Lead is the trouble.

John Hammond:
Condors! Condors are on the verge of extinction. If I was to create a flock of condors on this island, you wouldn't have anything to say!

Dr. Ian Malcolm:
No hold on, this is not some species that was obliterated by deforestation, or the building of a damn. Dinosaurs, uh, *had* their shot, and nature *selected* them for extinction!

California Condor photo credit:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/John McCamman

This quote is a prominent part of the movie arguing the overall theme of Jurassic park. but like most "science" in the movie it is wrong. 

When I was born in 1984, six California condors died in the wild, leaving just nine wild and 21 captive condors in the world.  Leading to a last ditch effort to capture the last remaining wild condors and rely on an unproven ability to breed condors in captivity to ensure the species’ survival.Yet, 30 years later, progress has been slow for the California condor recovery program.

One of the biggest hurdles is lead poisoning, often from the consumption of carrion, Mostly deer, containing lead fragments from spent shot or ammunition, is the most common cause of death for these scavenging birds.  More than 40 percent of condor deaths in the wild, where cause of death could be determined through necropsy, were the result of lead poisoning. Newborns have a 50% chance death from lead poisoning.  The sad this is this applies to all An estimated 10 million to 20 million birds, mostly scavengers like vultures bald eagles, etc die each year from lead poisoning. 

Two men found the eagle shivering in a river in Waverly, Iowa. They brought the eagle to Avenue of the Saints Animal Hospital, where the veterinarians began to treat him for lead poisoning after tests showed lethal amounts in his system,according to KWWL (Waverly). It is believed the lead came from bullet fragments or fish tackle. 

 More than 230 condors now occur in the wild and roughly 190 are in captive breeding programs or housed in zoos.  Approximately 40 of the condors in the wild are either progeny of wild pairs, or were substituted as eggs into wild nests and fully fledged in the wild.  This year, two of these wild-fledged condors produced a chick, creating a second generation of "truly wild" condor.

Efforts to monitor the locations and activities of the animals allow biologists to detect early warning signs of lead poisoning.  Wild condors are captured once or twice annually to be fitted with tracking devices and identifying tags, tested for blood lead and placed in captivity for chelation treatment if lead exposure is higher than prescribed levels.  Clean food is provided to these animals—a practice that began with the release program in 1992—but as condors mature and become more experienced in the wild, their reliance on proffered food declines and natural foraging increases.

Hunters may choose to purchase lead bullets, because they're cheaper and, in some cases, safer than other materials. But, occasionally, these bullets end up killing more than just the targeted animal.

California has addressed this issue by outlawing lead ammunition for hunting effective June 2019. In Arizona and Utah, state wildlife agencies have developed aggressive voluntary programs providing free or subsidized non-lead ammunition, shooting events and educational programs.  Although efforts to reduce the use of lead ammunition for hunting wildlife within the condors’ range have incurred some public disfavor, they are essential to ensure the species' survival.

Call (209) 742-5579 or visit: YosemiteaAudubon.org for additional information about the program, and call (209) 742-5181 about the field trip.

Article contributed by Yosemite Area Audubon Society

---

Substantial portions of this article were excerpted from John McCamman’s recent article in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Endangered Species Bulletin.

Spectacular Nature Photos of the Year

Happy New Year!  Lets celebrate by looking at the best nature had to offer 2015

The Inaugural Royal Society Publishing photography competition released their results in November but, this gorgeous photo might be a bit more powerful if you are fighting the winter snows, dreaming of a fertile green world. I like New England weather. The changing seasons always remind me of the cycle of life and that slight longing when something is not there. Hope springs eternal for a healthy world.

From the Chagall family to yours,
have a safe and happy New Year.

The winning photo stood out from over 1,000 entries for giving a tadpole’s glimpse of the world beyond the water — a surprising perspective of an everyday biological phenomenon.
Winner Bert Willaert, who is a biologist of amphibian evolution and an environmental advisor, said:
“Clear water is hard to come across in the part of Belgium where I live, as a consequence of eutrophication. When I noticed these common toad tadpoles in the crystal clear canal I wanted to capture the chance encounter from their perspective.
“To conserve the natural world I think drawing attention to the beauty of these ordinary moments in our own neighbourhoods, including our own backyards, is particularly important.
"I believe people will only conserve things when they know it exists — and how often will people have had snorkelled in their own garden pond?”

Solar Car Race Tests Its Resolution Against Australia’s Unforgiving Terrain

JASON BRICK

Can the solar-powered cars of 50 global teams survive the 1,864-mile stretch of the World Solar Challenge?

Since major developments in the late 2000s greatly reduced the cost of producing panels, solar energy has made some of the largest leaps forward of all alternative energy sources. One example of the growing acceptance of solar is Australia’s World Solar Challenge where 50 teams will test their models for fully-functioning solar cars against one another and the rugged environment of the Outback.

Judges of the competition are looking for the most efficient and drivable vehicles. To that effect, the competition limits cars to no more than five kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy storage. The rest of the vehicles’ power must come from solar energy generated while out in the sun-scorched field.

Read more

Recycling History

Two weeks and counting

We have been at the Back Packer since the 13th and last night Suzanne and I enjoyed a night walk, listened to live music at a nearby restaurant while enjoying a cup of tea with a brownie with ice cream. The two of us commented how nice it is to be able to do as we did.

Today we woke late and took a bus back to Khumbula to teach at the high school. We were told upon arrival there was no class but maybe next week. Yes, this is Africa. That is all you learn to say. So, we turned around and came back to where we started in the morning.

Between all that happens there are surprises. We asked the price for two potatoes and were told he did not sell just two. As we started to walk on he reached down and handed us three at no charge. That same shopping market day we were 20 cents short the price of carrots. " okay, bring it to me next time."

We received a call this morning before leaving to tell us Childline was looking at s flat today and could we come. Due to obligations we declined and did our work for the day. Strange was a second call asking about our where about. Checking, was our thought.

It nice to have light and air you can breathe.
That is our thought. And the owners of this Back Packer making this stay possible.

Cannot wait to share with all of you in person.

Marty

From the author: Rainy days

It is summer here and the rains come every other third day or so. Last
night it rained through the night until early morning just before we
got up. Before it rains you can see the steam in the air that hangs
like smoke. It is the moisture caught in the air.

We are doing well and keeping busy. Also getting around the local area
to see Gods Window and other sites.
Some people have asked about Chagall dragons are not big in stories
here. It is more hippos and elephants with an occasional giraffe. So,
I would not expect it to become a best seller, but I plan to share some copies.

 

From the Author: Childline So far so good.

Marty

We have now been with Childline for a month this week. So far so good. Staff is excited we are here and we are happy. Our garage is comfortable and made into a home. There is a room to cook and sit, one to sleep and one to bathe, etc.

The neighbors are friendly and very helpful. There was a fire that burned around our house and caused no direct damage. The only concern was the smoke. Our neighbor came down and invited us to stay with her that night. Another came over to check to make sure we were alright.

We are starting to travel out to other sites. The first was back to where we were, almost, Acornhoek where we said hello to people we knew from Houespruit and took part in a permaculture gardening class.

Last weekend we spent the weekend with one of our co-workers, my manager and her husband. They invited us for Saturday and Sunday church services. We shared in her youngest being blessed. The music and singing was very calming and uplifting at the same time.

After a big lunch we went home after stopping to do some shopping with their help. We shared some ice cream and visited some more.

There is a strike now blocking the road in and out of Nelspruit between where we live and work. We are told the taxis are not running to Khumbula today, where we live so we will be driven home. The strike is to get water. It is in the national news so it is getting coverage. If it continues we may stay home until it is over. Where we were to go today for work was cancelled due to the strike. It is part of our welcome to South Africa.

I have two projects ready to start but on hold waiting for budget approval. I may write a small grant to help supplement one, permacultural gardening training. I am waiting to decide.

From the author: Local wildlife

This last week of May was productive. After getting away from the house the weekend before we found out the prowler was the grounds keeper.
The up side is we met Farm Watch, wonderful people who look out for one another. They came to find out what occurred and helped us move bedrooms to be more secure at night. They recommended leaving the outside lights on and the sitting room lights on at night. They gave us a second lock for the gate so they can get in if need to and a radio to contact them if there is the need.

Peace Corps Security came up and will return to secure the house with burglar bars on the windows. We also received permission to move into the smaller house on the same property.

I participated on my first recycling event/ewaste collection. Rural South Africa is where many of us were when recycling first started in our country. Enthusiastic people doing their best and learning while going forward. They are successful in getting it off the ground. Unlike home much of what was brought in to recycle was sold by the end of the day to people who will try to fix it. I met one of the haulers and hope to know him more.

Another event was National Play Day where we played with the children. Adults and children had fun.

I am talking to a group about community gardening and will continue to do data entry and editing reports. Those provide the funding

That is my week.

This is Suzanne's perspective.
This week I found myself waiting for a taxi in front of a Snake Park.  Held out my hand to signal a taxi, all the while looking about for Park escapees.  The wait was blissfully short and we were off to an Herb Garden Bush Party planning meeting.  Later that day we returned to a cafe that is part of the Snake Park.  Again, I found myself looking for resident escapees, only to look up on the way into the park and see we were escorted by an ostrich.  Only a small part of neck and the head was visible!  Darnedest thing was that this big bird escorted us both into and out of the cafe! 
We received a visit from a tribal prince, owner of the guest house where we currently call home.  We requested to move into a smaller neighboring house.  The Prince and the farm owner visited.  The farm owner wants to rent the big guest home for his manager and wants us to stay in the adjacent house.  That was Friday, and we are waiting a response.
Peace Corps set up an electrical alarm system, so when we hear night noises, growling, monkey chatter and sometimes a critter bunking into the house, we do not worry! We just wonder what creature it is and go back to sleep. 
This week the manager at the Herb garden orients me so that next week and the week after, I can take over for her.  I will also be working with a volunteer pediatrician from LA, to give physicals to the youngsters in daycare programs that have health issues.

From the author: sweater weather

This is Suzanne, It is winter here.  Brisk in the morning and evening.  Sometimes it stays cool enough for a sweater.  To me, it feels like late autumn on the Pacific Coast and mid Autumn on the Atlantic coast.  Sunday we had 10 monkeys running and climbing trees along our way as we went to a silk farm.  We also passed a boxing turtle, and saw a couple of interesting green, red and tan birds.  We took some pictures, and someone told is they are rare birds.  On the silk farm they no longer use mopani worms, but import their silk for skin, clothing, and sheet products.  It was an education on silk production and products.  We are not to far from a wild life rehab reserve.  We hope to see that on our off time.
I really like working with my organization.  Usually different assignments are given.  This keeps life interesting! We have very little news about what is happening back home, as the radio waves are infrequent and we have no tv.

Marty

It has been a busy week and the season is changing with cool nights and mornings, warming in the day. Monday was sweater weather.

Suzanne and I went into town on Saturday to look around in shops we have seen but not poked our noses into. We found the Environmental Fair at Southern Cross School and enjoyed seeing a trash fashion show. We bought groceries there; vegetables, cheese and bath. Sunday we biked to the silk farm and earned our lunch. Round trip it was about 32 k. We checked out a wildlife estate for possible future trip and going on a bush walk. And checked out accommodations for fellow volunteers and/or other people know who may come to visit the area. We also have room.

Tuesday was a workshop on the Olifants River and discussion of its history and uses. They are addressing the mining and other uses of the river; agricultural, more homes, etc. It is a river that crosses international boundaries and is used by many different users. So, it will not be easy to address its future.

At the workshop were locals from nearby villages. Some talked to Suzanne about her bead work and me about trash. We both learned and met a lot of interesting people and may be given the opportunity to get further involved with the community and surrounding area.

Work is administrative for me. I sit with Chris and input data sheets that translate to funding and help to track HIV in the area.

That is it for me, except to say the above does not reflect the opinion or views of the Peace Corps, but are from both Suzanne and myself.

From the Author: Marty ans Suzanne

Hello all:

We are starting a new format where Suzanne and I will be writing separate updates and sharing them in the same Email. Our thoughts and views of the world may be different in that it is seen through different colored glasses. Also, we are doing different things during the day so, our experiences are different.

From Marty

The week has brought a change in weather with cooler mornings and warm afternoons, with it cooling off again. The walk in the morning is comfortable with a light jacket.

My days have been spent inputting data to record the number of people tested for HIV and the results. This gives a gender count and total count. Also, age can be determined and statistics can be compared to prior years at the same time to see what the trend is at this time.

The NGO we are working with is expanding services and therefore the record keeping is more important. The records not only tell the story of what is happening but also provide the funding for the programs conducted. In short it is an important to keep up to date. We are starting to work on March 2014. It is slowed by internet access coming and going throughout the day. This is a problem I understand is true throughout rural South Africa. I say this from talking to an IT person from Health Department with the Province.

Another task this week is the review of two reports written in English by people who speak Tsonga and Afrikkanse as a first language. The facts are there and the editing is not difficult.

We are discovering our way about and gradually making ourselves known by walking up and down the road. People have stopped to offer us a ride and find out about us. A local minister who lives out our way has offered to help us come to services on Sunday. It will be a big help in getting to know more people on a social level and buying groceries that are too bulky to carry by hand up the hill from where the taxi or bus lets us off. I keep reminding myself of how healthy i will be when I am 70.

That is about it from me this week.

Sdelsarto

May 6 (3 days ago)



to me

For my part as the other person on this note, I spend most of time trying to remember names , especially at the crèche (day care center).  My purpose there is to try to organize an activity calendar.  I spend most of my time addressing hygiene needs, getting equipment fixed, supplies needed, and manage to organize some activities during the day.  I found that everyone likes to learn to count and introduce themselves and kick or throw a ball.  So still working with the scheduling concept!  Visited a clinic on an environmental health college.  We saw giraffes and a camilion.  Sunday we saw a blaze buck, looks like a horse, but not the face of it.  This animal is a charcoal color, a grazer, and it was galloping.  I am getting to know our host family little by little as we live independently.  Christine Is an social entrepreneur in the health care field.  She has am amazing amount of focus and drive.   I am amazed at all her work here with the farm workers.
We are also friends with our prior hostess who has similar drive, for education and the love of her people.  Mmakoma is a primary school, 2nd grade teacher with many other involvements.  She married a man from the village  where she lives and teaches.  Lost her husband a couple of years ago.  She has rooms for rent.  Through her we met 3 other teachers.  2 are from Zimbabwe and one from Zaneen, a town about 2 hours away from Macomma's town.  It will be good to get better acquainted with our new host and the village we are currently staying.

We have been asked to write a disclaimer, so please understand that
none of what is written represents the Peace Corps, in any way.
Thanks!
>
 Marty and Suzanne

From the Author: Rhotoke, Limpopo

Suzanne and I are starting our third week in South Africa. We are in Rhotoke, Limpopo province being hosted by a local woman, living in a compound with four other people.

Our days are full of studying and nights doing homework and preparing for the next day, getting water, cooking, etc.

One of the neighbors loaned us their laptop and interet connetion to allow us to check out email.


We are studying Tsonga, as they may place us in the Northern region of Limpopo and/or Mapopolanga provine, near Botswana, or Zimbobwa. We will be sent to our sites, in a couple couple of weeks for a site visit. Two weeks ago we were visiting an extened PC volunteer (PCV) in Polokwane. We stayed in a Game Park and slept with our host in a Roundofall. This is a round house with a ceiling of logs that point to the sky, and a thatched roof. That PVC got the municipality to visit a small town, repair the preschool, and they are pipng water into the village.
Currently we are a school teacher's home and walk to our teacher's home, or to the community center. Graciouness is a way of life here. More bout that later.
There is wifi here at our compound. We get our laptops back, maybe on Monday. Sat, we travel to Pretoria, and hope to pick up a modum, then we will be more connected.
Life right now is immersion into language, village life, and planning our first project we will complete as a team. This will hapen at our next site visit scheduled for March 5. Until then...Sala Kahle (hle) is pronounced by putting tip of tongue behind teeth and softly blowing air our of both sides..Try that without spitting...Takes talent! t means in Tsonga.. Stay Well!

Marty and Suzanne