Join the movement and Stand Up for Democracy in the USA

Scotty -

Last night, Van Jones kicked off our Don't Kill the Dream campaign with over 15,000 DFA members listening in across the country.

Democracy for America is joining the American Dream movement and taking the fight to Republicans across the country -- at town halls, at their district offices, everywhere -- and it starts right now with you signing onto the Contract for the American Dream.

Join the movement -- Sign the Contract for the American Dream right now.

What is the Contract for the American Dream? It's the promise that we make to one another that all Americans -- rich, poor, or in-between, regardless of skin color or birthplace, no matter their sexual orientation or gender -- have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The contract was created by over 120,000 grassroots progressives working together at house parties nationwide last month and it includes ten featured goals to rebuild America: 

• Invest in America's Infrastructure
• Create 21st Century Energy Jobs
• Invest in Public Education
• Offer Medicare for All
• Make Work Pay
• Secure Social Security
• Return to Fairer Tax Rates
• End the Wars and Invest at Home
• Tax Wall Street Speculation
• Strengthen Democracy

Read more about the Contract and sign on now.

Together, we can stop Republicans from killing the American Dream and build a future based on liberty and justice for all.

Thank you for everything you do.

-Levana

Levana Layendecker, Communications Director
Democracy for America

Democracy for America relies on you and the people-power of more than one million members to fund the grassroots organizing and training that delivers progressive change on the issues that matter. Please Contribute Today and support our mission.

Paid for by Democracy for America, http://www.democracyforamerica.com/?akid=1218.1758181.3kvJE-&t=3 and not authorized by any candidate. Contributions to Democracy for America are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

--

*Scott's Contracting*

Green Me UP-Scotty
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com
Twitter                      Facebook

5 ways to up your activism to end Big Oil giveaways

• Much has changed in the Gulf, but one thing remains the same -- each year, oil and gas companies still receive more than $10 billion in federal tax breaks and incentives.

On Fri, Aug 19, 2011 at 2:38 PM, Becca Connors, Friends of the Earth <foe@foe.org> wrote:

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Dear Scotts, Click here to download the action toolkit: 5 ways you can help put an end to oil and gas subsidies. One year after the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, dead dolphins and sick fish are still washing up in high numbers. Much has changed in the Gulf, but one thing remains the same -- each year, oil and gas companies still receive more than $10 billion in federal tax breaks and incentives. With the budget crunch on the minds of just about every member of Congress, the time is ripe to finally make progress toward ending these obscene handouts. We've put together a simple action toolkit to help you make an impact. Click here to download the action toolkit: 5 ways you can help put an end to oil and gas subsidies. Congress is in recess now -- which means your representatives and senators should be home meeting with you -- their constituents. Attending town hall meetings and other public events with members of Congress is one of the best ways to make your voice heard, and the action kit includes tips for getting out in the field and organizing with your friends. Check out our toolkit for sample talking points and tips on how to: Speak up at town hall meetings. These public events allow you to ask tough questions in front of a wider audience and the media. Organize an in-district meeting. A private meeting gives you the chance to present your views in a direct, face-to-face conversation with your congressperson. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. This can be a powerful tool to have your voice heard by your community and by elected officials who often read local papers to gauge public opinion on key issues. Click here to download the action toolkit: 5 ways you can help put an end to oil and gas subsidies. Compared to signing a petition, it takes some extra time and effort to organize a group of friends to attend a town hall meeting. And a little extra courage to raise your voice and ask a question. But there are few better ways to get our concerns heard by the people who represent us -- and, ultimately, to move protecting the environment up the priority list in Congress. Together, we can hold our elected officials accountable -- and have some fun in the process. Let's get out there and make a difference! Becca and the rest of the Earth Budget team Friends of the Earth 1100 15th Street, NW 11th Floor Washington, DC 20005 (202) 783-7400 Friends of the Earth 311 California Street Suite 510 San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 544-0790 Friends of the Earth is fighting to defend the environment and create a more healthy and just world.   Our current campaigns focus on promoting clean energy and solutions to climate change, keeping toxic and risky technologies out of the food we eat and products we use, and protecting marine ecosystems and the people who live and work near them. To support this work, you can become a Friend of the Earth.

--

*Scott's Contracting*

Green Me UP-Scotty
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com
Twitter                      Facebook

Re: @Stake: Hide!

On Fri, Aug 19, 2011 at 12:09 PM, Robby Mook <dccc@dccc.org> wrote:

Scotts -- I guess they can't stand the heat. With their poll numbers plummeting, some House Republicans have resorted to hiding from their constituents and holding "pay-per-view" town halls. That's why your support of our Accountability August  Campaign is so critical. You're helping House Democrats keep the spotlight on Tea Party Republicans and stand up to their radical vision for America. On behalf of the DCCC, and all the members of our Democratic Caucus, I can't thank you enough for what you do. As a small token of my appreciation, I hope you enjoy this edition of @Stake. Republican Pay-Per-View? Better bring your wallet if you want to ask your Republican Congressman a question in person. Some Republicans, including House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, are charging constituents $15 or more to meet them in person and ask a question. No open-to-the-public town hall meetings for Congressman Ryan or several of his other colleagues including Ben Quayle (R-AZ). So much for open government. Check out video of MSNBC's "Hardball" covering the Republicans' "pay-per-view" events and get the full story >> Latest Polls: GOP House Majority at Risk Republicans' radical Tea Party agenda is costing them with voters. Disapproval ratings for the Republican Party are at record highs and in a new Gallup Poll, Democrats hold a seven point advantage in the congressional ballot. New York Times number cruncher Nate Silver believes this indicates a substantial shift in the partisan climate that could threaten the Republican majority in the House of Representatives. We need just 24 more seats to take back the Speaker's gavel. Because of you, our campaign is building momentum and we've got Republicans on the run. Read more of Nate's analysis here >> FEC Deadline The first Federal Election Commission (FEC) fundraising deadline since the Tea Party Downgrade is fast approaching. The entire political world will view our fundraising totals on the August 31st FEC deadline as the first real test of Democratic strength and determination since the great debate over the debt ceiling. Your support today will show the world that Democrats are standing up to Tea Party Republicans and their radical agenda. Please click here to make a contribution today and help make this the most successful fundraising campaign yet. Thanks again for your tremendous support in helping to elect House Democrats. Onward to victory, Robby Mook DCCC Executive Director Top Links: 1. FACT CHECK: Boehner/Cantor Budget Op-Ed With 8 Major Falsehoods >> 2. Check out the summer sale at MyDemocraticStore.com >> 3. House Republicans Taking Recess Heat, While Others Hide at Pay-Per-View Only Events >> Final End of Summer Close Out Sale Just 2 days left in our Summer sale. Pick up fantastic merchandise at bargain basement prices. Show your support for Democrats with your purchase of T-shirts, mugs, tote bags and so much more. Best of all your purchase will help House Democrats take back our majority in 2012. All items are union made in the good old USA! But you have to act fast. The sale ends Sunday! Use coupon code TAKE15OFF to receive 15% off on everything in stock OR use coupon code SHIP4FREE to receive free shipping on orders over $50. Take advantage of great deals before they expire in two days >> Not on Facebook or Twitter? No problem: Download the DCCC Breaking News Toolbar. Contributions or gifts to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee are not tax deductible. Paid for by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee | 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 (202) 863-1500 | www.dccc.org | Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

--

*Scott's Contracting*

Green Me UP-Scotty
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com
Twitter                      Facebook

Go green with your building project

– How to build your green building business –

In the building industry, green business is the only good news that is left for the consumers. Are you a promoter who is looking for constructing buildings and still struggling within the sluggish market conditions? Though traditional buildings may no more seem to be a hot cake anymore, you must try your luck in going green. Sustainable business firms can boost your profits as it has been said that getting into green building can certainly boost your income during tough economic times. Here are some green home building tips that you must consider if you're interested in going green with your building.

1. Do enough research: Every salesman wants to know about the most important skill that he may need in order to make extra profits. You have to make a market research so that you get to know what the actual things are that are needed in order to boost their profits. See what your competitors are doing so that you may get an idea regarding your faults and try to make your weaknesses your strengths.

2. Know what is selling in the market: The recession has got a very diverse impact on every part of the economy and you must make sure that you clearly know what are the products that are selling in the market so that you may comprehend the inabilities of the market and the according steps that you're supposed to take in order to make the most out of the market situations.

3. Specialize in the subject: When you're looking for ways to start off with green home building, you must always make sure that you specialize in this particular field so that you do not fall short of ideas that can make your building a sustainable one. You must get to know all the details that can help you with the business project and make you earn better returns.

4. Get yourself certified: After you have all the plans in your head, you need to get yourself certified and getting the Green Advantage certificate is a necessity. Remember that doing green things doesn't make your house green and thus you have to be a witty and a better builder in order to be a true green builder.

Therefore, if you're planning a sustainable home building project, make sure you follow the tips mentioned above. Every bank and financial is adopting green methods so as to save money and energy. Green building is an important way of handling your talent and using it to its best.

 Article by: Mr Peter Harper

Regards,
Peter Harper
Marketing Head & Editor
Chicago, Illinois – 60607, USA
Phone :  9167458161
Skype name : peterharper99
mail : peterharper99@gmail.com

Guest Post provided by Scotts Contracting

Monitoring Clouds in Real Time; SUNPATH Solicitation; and Standards and Conformity Conference

On Thu, Aug 18, 2011 at 6:47 AM, DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program <eere@service.govdelivery.com> wrote:

One of two new Total Sky Imagers at Copper Mountain Solar captures a nearly cloudless day in Nevada. Credit: Sempra                 Fast Fact Survey on 2011 Financed Projects Deadline Today NREL is seeking input from energy developers and financiers as part of an ongoing effort to collect and share quantitative data on renewable energy financing terms, and to assess barriers to renewable energy development. The current Renewable Energy Finance Tracking Initiative questionnaire—for projects financed during the first half of 2011—is available online through August 18.

New Sky Imagers Monitor Cloud Activity in Real Time  One DOE collaboration has resulted in the deployment of two Total Sky Imagers (TSIs) at the Copper Mountain Solar power plant in Boulder City, Nevada. TSIs are the latest technological innovation in the solar resource assessment arena and are designed to capture real-time cloud activity to manage variability and inform solar plant operations. The work is part of DOE's SunShot Initiative which is a collaborative national effort to make solar energy technologies cost-competitive with other forms of energy by reducing the cost of solar energy systems by about 75% by the end of the decade. During the last year, the DOE solar resource team has collaborated with the California ISO, FirstSolar, University of California at San Diego, Sempra, and the California Energy Commission to provide expertise on solar resource assessment. The collaborative team plans to calculate historical solar forecasts and develop a real-time solar forecasting model for the facility in 2012.  SUNPATH Targets Industrial-Scale Demonstration  DOE is requesting applications for an industrial-scale demonstration of photovoltaic (PV) module, cells, substrates, or module components. Part of the SunShot Initiative, SUNPATH (Scaling Up Nascent PV AT Home) will demonstrate lower cost targets over the next 2 years and enable the path to solar energy systems that are cost competitive with other energy sources. Learn more about the SUNPATH financial opportunity. Solar Conference on Standards and Conformity Assessment On September 15-16, 2011, in San Francisco, California, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is hosting an event on standards and conformity assessment for solar technologies. Conference topics include policy frameworks in support of solar technology, standards development, navigating regulatory frameworks, solar technology deployment, and APEC trade. Register today.

---

This email was sent to scottscontracting@gmail.com on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy · 1000 Independence Ave., SW · Washington DC 20585 · 877-337-3463

--

*Scott's Contracting*

Green Me UP-Scotty
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com
Twitter                      Facebook

Future Fighters

 Sustainable Living Education at Unity College

Say the words, "renewable energy" or "sustainable living" to the average person on the street, and you are liable to get a furrowed brow, and a cobbled together response about the environment and solar energy.  Most people have a vague idea of what those terms mean, but very little understanding of how those terms can apply to their daily lives.  A growing number of people, however, are beginning to recognize the importance of actively seeking out forms of renewable energy and ways to lower humanity's impact on the Earth.  A number of these people are young men and women in their late teens and early 20s, who, unlike generations before them, recognize that if they do not care for the planet, it might not be able to sustain the lives of their future grandchildren.  This generation of young environmentalists are actively seeking ways to understand and positively alter the world around them.  Enter Unity College, a small liberal arts college in Unity, Maine that is wholly dedicated to the study and practice of sustainable living.

Unity College was founded in 1965, and is tucked away in a small community surrounded by a lake, lots of trees, and not much else.  The 500 students and 60 staff members of Unity College like this relative isolation, as they are free to experiment, innovate, and create on the 225 acres of farmland that make up the campus.  The school is invested in sustainable living and environmentally sound practices from the ground-up, utilizing low-impact housing, solar energy, growing their own food, and helping all students retrofit their cars to run on grease from the dining hall, among other initiatives.  The college recently opened its first Passive House dorm facility and they are committed to going carbon neutral as well.  Rather than a standard orientation experience, relaxing in catnapper recliner in the lounge and doing the occasional "community building" activity, first year students spend a week in the woods together, hiking, camping, and discussing environmental issues as they apply to the region where they will be spending their next few years.  They perform trail maintenance, do research, and began to formulate a more concrete idea of the direction they hope to take their studies while at the school.

The academic program is wide-ranging, and more majors are being offered each year.  There are currently 22 majors at the school, along with study abroad, Outward Bound, and seasonal law enforcement options for those seeking a career in park ranger service.  The school also offers certifications in a number of wilderness preparedness and survival skills.  Courses of study at Unity include, Wildlife; Wildlife Biology; Wildlife Conversation; Adventure Education Leadership; Adventure Therapy; Parks, Recreation, and Ecotourism; Sustainable Design and Technology; Teaching and Learning; Agriculture, Food, and Sustainability; Aquaculture and Fisheries; Forestry; Landscape Horticulture; Marine Biology; Captive Wildlife Care and Education; Conservative Law Enforcement; Ecology; Environmental Writing; Environmental Science; Environmental Policy and Law; Environmental Education; Environmental Biology; Environmental Analysis; and Ecology.

The need for people versed in environmentally conscious practices is growing, and consequently,Unity College alumni have gone on to quite successful careers in a number of environmentally related fields, including serving as resident biologists, resource analysts, educational and environmental directors, forestry technicians, and a host of other positions as related to sustainable living.  One of the few colleges of this type in the world, Unity College is devoted to creating a generation of men and women who consider the environment as important as turning a profit.

Call for Entries Extended! Artwork, Architectural Designs, Community Projects Sought for Sustainability and the Built Environment of the St. Louis Region

On Thu, Aug 11, 2011 at 2:46 PM, USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter <usgbc-stl@mobot.org> wrote:

Call for Entries Extended to September 16! MULTIPLE  APPROACHES ACCEPTED Visual Art Architecture & Design Community Projects MORE INFORMATION Download the Prospectus JOIN USGBC Join us in our efforts to transform the built environment! Chapter Membership National Membership Sustainability and the Built Environment of the St. Louis Region An art exhibit presented by the St. Louis Artists' Guild & USGBC-Missouri Gateway Sustainability and the Built Environment of the St. Louis Region is an all-encompassing, all-media exhibition exploring where we stand, as a culture of consumption, and where we may be headed in the future.  Examples of artwork illustrating the biggest consumers and the best conservationists is currently being sought.    Several different approaches to the themes of consumption, conservation, and sustainable living will be included in this exhibition: VISUAL ART: Artwork in all media dealing with themes of sustainability, consumption, environmentalism, and green living. Paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, photographs, video and film, installations...all are accepted. This is an opportunity to explore the concept of sustainability through an artistic lens.     ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN: Architectural and design projects within the St. Louis region that are examples of sustainable design. Both real projects and speculative ones are accepted. Submitted work can be displayed in our galleries as photographs, architectural and conceptual drawings, models and videos.     COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Grassroots and community projects that seek to create more sustainable lifestyles within the St. Louis region. Can be documented with photographs, videos, drawings/sketches, etc.  This exhibition is juried by Chris Jordan.    CD SUBMISSIONS DUE:  September 16, 2011 · 5 pm   OPENING RECEPTION:  Friday, November 11, 2011 · 6-8 pm   EXHIBITION ON VIEW:  November 11- January 6, 2012   Click here for more information! "Sustainability 2011 Award" Will Honor Three Artists The "Sustainability 2011 Award," conceived by USGBC-Missouri Gateway for this premier exhibition, recognizes architecture as art and artists as champions of sustainability. Three participating artists will be honored with the "Sustainability 2011 Award," based on their expression of sustainability in the following categories: Sustainable Sites Water Efficiency Energy & Atmosphere Materials & Resources Indoor Environmental Quality Innovation & Design Regional Priority Awareness & Education These award criteria have been adapted from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification system developed in 2000 by the U.S. Green Building Council.   The "Sustainability 2011 Award" is not a commentary on the artistic or purely aesthetic value of the artwork. The focus, instead, is on the artwork as an expression of sustainability efforts and opportunities.

US Green Building Council - St. Louis Regional Chapter | 3617 Grandel Square | St. Louis | MO | 63108

--

*Scott's Contracting*

Green Me UP-Scotty
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com
Twitter                      Facebook