Luke_Wilbur

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will hold a hearing on the DC House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257) on Tuesday, May 15 at 10:00 AM. Hearing witnesses will include members of Congress, the mayor, civil rights leaders and others. The bill passed the House of Representatives on April 19. "The Senate hearing lifts the DC House Voting Rights Act to new heights," said DC Vote Executive Director Ilir Zherka. "This issue of DC voting rights has become an issue of national importance and members of the Senate are working to correct this injustice. Americans across the country agree that it's time to give DC the vote, and the Senate is acting at a critical time." In the Senate, the bipartisan DC House Voting Rights Act was introduced on May 1 by Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Utah Senators Orrin Hatch ® and Bob Bennett ®. The legislation would give DC its first-ever voting member of Congress. What: DC House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257) hearing in Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs When: Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 15 at 10:00 AM Where: 342 Dirksen Senate Office Building List of witnesses: Panel 1: The Honorable Orrin G. Hatch, Senator, U.S. Senate The Honorable Tom Davis, U.S. House of Representatives The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton, U.S. House of Representatives The Honorable Adrian Fenty, Mayor, District of Columbia Panel 2: The Honorable Jack Kemp, Founder and Chairman, Kemp Partners Wade Henderson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Viet D. Dinh, Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center Jonathan R. Turley, J.B. And Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law, The George Washington University Law School

I am already on top of that. Karen Robinson told me to call ANC contact of zoning, Sarah Barton at 202.727-5372. I left a message with her.

Here is Councilmember Jim Graham's bill

The Examiner did a wonderful article about the possibility of relocating unclothed bars into Ward 5. It appears that current ABC Law requires unclothed bars to be located in a CM2 Zone. Jim Graham is proposing a one-time legislation to allow unclothed dancing in a CM1 Zone. There are CM1 zones located throughout the District. Councilmember Graham is not promoting Ward 5 as the location. It appears that businesses want to move to Ward 5 for economic reasons. I am contacting Fred Moosally of the ABC Board to verify this information. His number is 202.442-4355, 4468, 4423 I am also contacting Karen Robinson of the District of Columbia Office of Zoning at 202.442-8947 Read the Examiner article.

Kathy Henderson wrote a letter to all councilmembers last year on the eve of a vote on emergency legislation to locate adult-themed businesses to Ward 5. Several ouncilmembers thanked her for the letter and then Chairman Cropp pulled the legislation from the agenda. We are not out of the woods yet and must fight to protect our Ward. We deserve to be treated with fairness and respect. Public safety and a good quality of life are just as important in Ward 5 as they are elsewhere in our city. Ward 5 Council Member Harry "Tommy" Thomas is convening a meeting to address this issue on May 16, 2007, at Bethesda Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. I encourage all to attend this meeting and communicate with all members of the City Council about this important issue. We will no longer tolerate being treated like a dumping ground for undesirable businesses. Thank God for Kathy's diligence on this matter. Read her letter and spread the word.

Nachiappan, I believe that our political leaders here in the United States are move worried about energy independance than global warming.

You are right. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

Did anyone read Charley Casserly's CBS Sportsline article, "Team-by-team analysis: Judging without grades" on the Washington Redskins? Landry was a four-year starting safety for the Louisiana State University Tigers. In 2006, Landry earned first team All-American and first team All-SEC honors after collecting 74 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, one blocked kick, and three interceptions. His senior season was capped with an invitation to the Senior Bowl and as a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award. Scouts have stated that a possible reason why the Redskins did not pick defensive end Jamaal Anderson is that his outside rushing speed is not probowl caliber.

After the DC Voting Rights March DCpages created a photo gallery on the event. I contacted the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton to her comments about the March. Capitol Hill Office 2136 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-8050 tel (202) 225-3002 fax I was transferred to Doxie McCoy, the Spokesperson for the Congresswoman. The conversation between Doxie McCoy and myself started out pleasant enough, but when I asked for the Congresswoman's reflections and speech at City Hall Doxie's tone changed. "Mr Wilbur, I do not have the time to do this," she replied. "Would you like me to send you the Congresswoman's floor statement?" I explained that I have been following H.R. 1433 and would rather set up a time to discuss the March with the Congresswoman. "No I won't set up an appointment." Doxie McCoy replied. "I will end up having to write her statements and I just don't have time." I then asked Doxie McCoy if she could do it at a later time. She did not answer. After two weeks of fustration I feel that the Congresswoman's spokesperson lacks professionalism in promoting H.R. 1433 and DC Voting Rights. I am done communicating to a person who does not care. You can follow-up with Doxie McCoy at 202.225.8050 office 202.225.8143 cell or email her at: doxie.mccoy@mail.house.gov

Urban Film Series announced today that And Then Came Love starring Vanessa Williams, Eartha Kitt, Kevin Daniels, Michael Boatman, Stephen Spinella and Ben Vereen, will Kick-Off the 2007 Urban Film and Discussion Series hosted by Landmark Theatre (555 11th Street, NW, WDC). Members of the public, press and VIP persons are invited to attend the special "Sneak-Preview" screening on May 10, 2007 at 7:30pm. Tickets range from $10 (general) to $20 (VIP) and can be purchased through advanced RSVP at UrbanFilmSeries.com or at the Landmark Theatre box office. Following the screening, there will be a discussion and Q&A with the film's writer-producer, Caytha Jentis, and other members of the cast and crew. The discussion will be moderated by Corey "CJ" Jennings, the Urban Film Series founder. About And Then Came Love "And Then Came Love," is a romantic comedy about a successful single mother who opens Pandora's box when she seeks out the anonymous sperm donor father of her young son. Tackling issues of motherhood, marriage and the choices and challenges of parenting, this movie strikes at the heart of how, why - and who – we love. "And Then Came Love" promises to be the ‘feel good' film of the summer. "And Then Came Love" will be released in select theaters June 1st, and nationally on dvd by Warner Home Video under the American Black Film Festival dvd series label, August 14th. More information on the film can be found at www.andthencamelove.com or www.urbanfilmseries.com. About The Urban Film Series The Urban Film Series is a programmatic arm of the Next Generation Awareness Foundation (NGAF), a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is connect urban communities with history and progressive cinema, and provide exposure of the arts and the motion picture industry to many communities across the United States. The Urban Film Series also produces the annual Black Docs Film Series, Urban Film Series Tour, and Black History Month Film & Discussion Series, and has received well over 600 films from across the world for its various film-relate programs. ----------------------- Who: Urban Film Series What: And Then Came Love; Q&A to Follow Where: Landmark Theatre's E Street Cinema, 555 11th Street NW, WDC When: May 10th, from 7:30pm - 9:30pm Tickets: MUST RSVP in advance at UrbanFilmSeries.com, for General ($10), VIP ($20), and Press admission. General admission tickets will also be made available at Landmark Theatre, as available. Featuring Q&A with the Fox Meadow Films team and members of the cast.

Nelson, Looks like your words are ringing truth. Did you read Tim Shipman's article in the Sunday Telegraph? I think someone should contact Michael Whouley at the Dewey Square Group (DSG) to confirm the story. Washington, DC 1001 G Street NW Suite 400E Washington DC 20001 202 638 5616 T 202 638 5612 F dc@deweysquare.com

I really think President Bush will not want to termed the President that vetoed Stem Cell Research and Democracy.

Nachiappan, If you ever have some thoughts that you would like to share with our Community about the environment or any topic that interests you please feel free to post them. You are a welcomed member

Did anyone hear Kissinger's Comments to the AP on April 1? That must have been difficult for him to say.

District of Columbia residents moved a step closer Thursday to gaining voting rights in the House of Representatives. The legislation, which passed the House on a 241-177 vote, still faces a veto threat from the Bush administration, which said it interprets the U.S. Constitution as denying congressional votes for residents of the capital city. District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by House) HR 1905 EH AN ACT To provide for the treatment of the District of Columbia as a Congressional district for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to adjust the estimated tax payment safe harbor based on income for the preceding year in the case of individuals with adjusted gross income greater than $5 million, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007'. SEC. 2. TREATMENT OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AS CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. (a) In General- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the District of Columbia shall be considered a Congressional district for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives. (b ) Conforming Amendments Relating to Apportionment of Members of House of Representatives- (1) INCLUSION OF SINGLE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MEMBER IN REAPPORTIONMENT OF MEMBERS AMONG STATES- Section 22 of the Act entitled `An Act to provide for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and to provide for apportionment of Representatives in Congress', approved June 28, 1929 (2 U.S.C. 2a), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: `(d) This section shall apply with respect to the District of Columbia in the same manner as this section applies to a State, except that the District of Columbia may not receive more than one Member under any reapportionment of Members.'. (2) CLARIFICATION OF DETERMINATION OF NUMBER OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS ON BASIS OF 23RD AMENDMENT- Section 3 of title 3, United States Code, is amended by striking `come into office;' and inserting the following: `come into office (subject to the twenty-third article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States in the case of the District of Columbia);'. SEC. 3. INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. (a) Permanent Increase in Number of Members- Effective with respect to the One Hundred Tenth Congress and each succeeding Congress, the House of Representatives shall be composed of 437 Members, including any Members representing the District of Columbia pursuant to section 2(a). (b ) Reapportionment of Members Resulting From Increase- (1) IN GENERAL- Section 22(a) of the Act entitled `An Act to provide for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and to provide for apportionment of Representatives in Congress', approved June 28, 1929 (2 U.S.C. 2a(a)), is amended by striking `the then existing number of Representatives' and inserting `the number of Representatives established with respect to the One Hundred Tenth Congress'. (2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to the regular decennial census conducted for 2010 and each subsequent regular decennial census. © Special Rules for Period Prior to 2012 Reapportionment- (1) TRANSMITTAL OF REVISED STATEMENT OF APPORTIONMENT BY PRESIDENT- Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall transmit to Congress a revised version of the most recent statement of apportionment submitted under section 22(a) of the Act entitled `An Act to provide for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and to provide for apportionment of Representatives in Congress', approved June 28, 1929 (2 U.S.C. 2a(a)), to take into account this Act and the amendments made by this Act. (2) REPORT BY CLERK- Not later than 15 calendar days after receiving the revised version of the statement of apportionment under paragraph (1), the Clerk of the House of Representatives, in accordance with section 22(b ) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 2a(b )), shall send to the executive of each State a certificate of the number of Representatives to which such State is entitled under section 22 of such Act, and shall submit a report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives identifying the State (other than the District of Columbia) which is entitled to one additional Representative pursuant to this section. (3) REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTION OF ADDITIONAL MEMBER- During the One Hundred Tenth Congress, the One Hundred Eleventh Congress, and the One Hundred Twelfth Congress-- (A) notwithstanding the final undesignated paragraph of the Act entitled `An Act for the relief of Doctor Ricardo Vallejo Samala and to provide for congressional redistricting', approved December 14, 1967 (2 U.S.C. 2c), the additional Representative to which the State identified by the Clerk of the House of Representatives in the report submitted under paragraph (2) is entitled shall be elected from the State at large; and (B ) the other Representatives to which such State is entitled shall be elected on the basis of the Congressional districts in effect in the State for the One Hundred Ninth Congress. SEC. 4. NONSEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. If any provision of this Act, or any amendment made by this Act, is declared or held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Act and any amendment made by this Act shall be treated and deemed invalid and shall have no force or effect of law. SEC. 5. ADJUSTMENT OF ESTIMATED TAX PAYMENT SAFE HARBOR FOR INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS WITH ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME GREATER THAN $5 MILLION. (a) In General- Subparagraph © of section 6654(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to limitation on use of preceding year's tax) is amended by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively, and by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause: `(ii) INDIVIDUAL ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME GREATER THAN $5,000,000- If the adjusted gross income shown on the return of the individual for such preceding taxable year exceeds $5,000,000, clause (i) shall be applied by substituting `110.1' for `110' in the last row of the table therein.'. (b ) Separate Returns- Clause (iii) of section 6654(d)(1)© of such Code, as redesignated by subsection (a), is amended by inserting `and clause (ii) shall be applied by substituting `$2,500,000' for `$5,000,000' before the period at the end. © Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. Passed the House of Representatives April 19, 2007. Attest: Clerk. 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1905 AN ACT To provide for the treatment of the District of Columbia as a Congressional district for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to adjust the estimated tax payment safe harbor based on income for the preceding year in the case of individuals with adjusted gross income greater than $5 million, and for other purposes.

Nachiappan, Here are a list of people related to your field that might be able to help you. Sinha, A. Krishna Professor of Geology pitlab@vt.edu Gibbs, G. V. Professor Emeritus of Mineralogy and University Distinguished Professor gvgibbs@vt.edu Ge Lin Professor http://www.geo.wvu.edu/~glin ge.lin@mail.wvu.edu Geography Program Specialties: Spatial Analysis, Migration Modeling, Aging and Health MICHAEL BROWN Ph.D. University of Keele, U.K. 1975 Professor and Chair Department of Geology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA Tel: (301) 405-4080 Fax: (301) 314-7970 mbrown@geol.umd.edu Research Interests High-T metamorphism, crustal anatexis and melt segregation, ascent and emplacement; granulites and HP/UHT metamorphism; the P-T-t-d evolution and the tectonics of metamorphic belts. ANDREW CAMPBELL Ph.D. University of Chicago, 1993 Assistant Professor Department of Geology University of Maryland College Park, Maryland 20742, USA Tel: (301) 405-4086 Fax: (301) 314-9661 ajc@geol.umd.edu Research Interests Mineral physics and solid earth geochemistry; high-pressure, temperature phase equilibria and equations of state; siderophile element cosmochemistry. ANN G. WYLIE Ph.D. Columbia University, 1972 Professor Department of Geology University of Maryland College Park, Maryland 20742, USA Tel: (301) 405-4079 Fax: (301) 314-9661 awylie@geol.umd.edu Research Interests Economic geology of Appalachian metal and industrial deposits; mineralogy and human health; the study of ore minerals as petrogenetic indicators; geology and tectonic history of the central Appalachian Piedmont SASWATA HIER-MAJUMDER Ph.D. University of Minnesota, 2004 Assistant Professor Department of Geology University of Maryland College Park, Maryland 20742, USA Tel: (301) 405-6979 Fax: (301) 314-7970 saswata@geol.umd.edu Research Interests A part of my current research focuses on theoretical modelling of multicomponent fluid dynamics in problems of geophysical interest. More specifically, I am interested in segregation and transport of magma in the mantle. Another aspect of my research is experimental determination of influence of water on the kinetic properties of silicates. Here are some jobs I found as well: GEOLOGY INSTRUCTOR Position: Part-time Geology Instructor, Emory & Henry College, Emory, Virginia. To teach a range of undergraduate geology courses. 10 to 12-hour teaching load per year with emphasis on service to programs in geography, environmental studies and earth science. Non-tenure track appointment, renewable on a yearly basis. Candidates must have teaching experience; Master’s degree required; Ph.D. preferred. Please send three letters of recommendation along with curriculum vitae, teaching evaluations (if applicable), copies of transcripts, and statement of teaching philosophy to Dr. Chris Qualls, Dean of the Faculty, Emory & Henry College, P.O. Box 947, Emory, VA 24327-0947. Applications accepted until position is filled. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, GEOLOGIST/SOIL SCIENTIST THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-RIVER FALLS The Department of Plant and Earth Science seeks a dynamic teacher to complement our diverse programs. Course responsibilities will include geomorphology, pedology, meteorology and other courses in geology and soil science dependent on expertise of the successful candidate. Interest in global systems and sustainability is desirable. This is a full-time, nine-month, assistant professor level, tenure-track faculty position starting in August, 2007. Compensation is based on qualifications, including education and experience. The normal teaching load is 12 units. Other expectations include advising, scholarly activity and service. Required qualifications include a Ph.D. and teaching and/or field experience. Review of applications will begin on April 1, 2007 and continue until the position is filled. See the University’s website at www.uwrf.edu/hr for the application process, deadlines, complete position description and qualifications.

Here are some more tutoring programs you might be interested in. 1. DC Reads Program- 202-274-7115 2. Jumpstart Program - 202-393-4444 3. Head up Program - 202-544-4468 4. Junior Achievement - 202-777-4486 5. Serve DC- 202-727-7925

NN.Nachiappan, Is it difficult to find work in your field in India? Your country's economy appears to be growing at a tremendous rate. What is your prior job experience?

Solar irradiance or Solar Radiation is the radiant energy emitted by the sun, particularly electromagnetic energy. About half of the radiation is in the visible short-wave part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The observed global warming may be explained by increased solar activity, the present level of solar activity is historically high as determined by sunspot activity and other factors. Solar activity could affect climate either by variation in the sun's output or by an indirect effect on the amount of cloud formation. In climate science, radiative forcing is defined as the difference between the incoming radiation energy and the outgoing radiation energy in a given climate system. A positive forcing (more incoming energy) tends to warm the system, while a negative forcing (more outgoing energy) tends to cool it. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has has released its Summary for Policymakers. The Record Changes in solar irradiance since 1750 are estimated to cause a radiative forcing of +0.12 [+0.06 to +0.30] W m-2, which is less than half the estimate given in the Third Assessment Report (TAR) issued in 2001. This indicates that only a minor fraction of the recent global warming can be explained by the variable Sun. The understanding of anthropogenic warming and cooling influences on climate has improved since the TAR, leading to very high confidence7 that the globally averaged net effect of human activities since 1750 has been one of warming, with a radiative forcing of +1.6 [+0.6 to +2.4] W m-2. The combined radiative forcing due to increases in carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide is +2.30[+2.07 to +2.53] W m-2, and its rate of increase during the industrial era is very likely to have been unprecedented in more than 10,000 years. The carbon dioxide radiative forcing increased by 20% from 1995 to 2005, the largest change for any decade in at least the last 200 years. Anthropogenic contributions to aerosols (primarily sulphate, organic carbon, black carbon, nitrate and dust) together produce a cooling effect, with a total direct radiative forcing of -0.5 [-0.9 to -0.1] W m-2 and anindirect cloud albedo forcing of -0.7 [-1.8 to -0.3] W m-2. These forcings are now better understood than at the time of the TAR due to improved in situ, satellite and ground-based measurements and more comprehensive modelling, but remain the dominant uncertainty in radiative forcing. Aerosols also influence cloud lifetime and precipitation. Significant anthropogenic contributions to radiative forcing come from several other sources. Tropospheric ozone changes due to emissions of ozone-forming chemicals (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons) contribute +0.35 [+0.25 to +0.65] W m-2. The direct radiative forcing due to changes in halocarbons8 is +0.34 [+0.31 to +0.37] W m-2. Changes in surface albedo, due to land-cover changes and deposition of black carbon aerosols on snow, exert respective forcings of -0.2 [-0.4 to 0.0] and +0.1 [0.0 to +0.2] W m-2.

Mayor Fenty Issues Statement on the Virginia Tech Tragedy “I am deeply saddened by the act of violence that took place at Virginia Tech today. As a neighboring university and educational home to many District residents, I send condolences to the Virginia Tech student body, residents of Blacksburg and in particular to the families of those individuals who lost their lives. As we grieve with the Blacksburg community, I ask that District residents join me in praying for strength and endurance for all of those affected by today’s tragedy.”

Levin Releases Newly Declassified Pentagon Inspector General Report on Intelligence Assessment Activities of the Office of Under Secretary of Defense Doug Feith Sen. Carl Levin, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the newly declassified report [PDF] of the Department of Defense Inspector General on its Review of the Pre-Iraqi War Activities of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. The report was declassified at Levin's request. In releasing the report, Levin said: "It is important for the public to see why the Pentagon's Inspector General concluded that Secretary Feith's office developed, produced and then disseminated alternative intelligence assessments on the Iraq and al-Qaeda relationship, which included conclusions that were inconsistent with the consensus of the Intelligence Community, and why the Inspector General concluded that these actions were inappropriate. Until today, those details were classified and outside the public's view. The Feith office alternative intelligence assessments concluded that Iraq and al Qaeda were cooperating and had a mature, symbiotic relationship, a view that was not supported by the available intelligence, and was contrary to the consensus view of the Intelligence Community. These alternative assessments were used by the Administration to support its public arguments in its case for war. As the DOD IG report confirms, the Intelligence Community never found an operational relationship between Iraq and al-Qaeda; the report specifically states that, the CIA and DIA disavowed any mature, symbiotic’ relationship between Iraq and al-Qaida." Here are some excerpts of this report:

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 10:00 a.m. Wreath Laying Ceremony Location: Lincoln Park, E. Capitol St between 11th and 13th St., NE Organizer: Friends of DC Emancipation Day, Loretta Carter Hanes 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m Debut of a free cellphone walking tour of the African American history of Lafayette Square. Location: Stephen Decatur House Museum, 1610 H Street, NW Self-guided tour narrated by former Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs, Togo West Pick up a map and tour information at the museum 2:00 p.m. Emancipation Day Community Awards Reception Location: Anderson Cottage at the Armed Forces Retirement Home—Rock Creek Church Rd & Upshur St, NW Honorees: Dr. John Hope Franklin, James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of History Mr. Lerone Bennett, Historian, Executive Editor Emeritus, Johnson Publishing Co. Ms. Donna Wells, Prints and Photographs Librarian Dr. Josephine F. Pacheo, Historian SUNDAY, APRIL 15 2:00 p.m. Celebrating Emancipation through Music, Words, & Images Location: The Historical Society and the National Music Center 801 K Street NW Organizer: The Historical Society & the National Music Center 7:00 p.m. An Interpretation of Emancipation through Poetry & Prose Location: Busboys and Poets, 1390 V Street NW Slavery and the Abolitionist Movement in the District of Columbia The Institution of Slavery in the District of Columbia The District of Columbia Vote and the Struggle for Congressional Representation The District of Columbia Vote and the Call for Community Activism MONDAY, APRIL 16—DC EMANCIPATION DAY 2:30 p.m. Voting Rights March Location: John A. Wilson Building, 14th Street & Pennsylvania Ave NW, with march down Pennsylvania Avenue from 13th to 3rd Street NW. Expected marchers include: Mayor Adrian M. Fenty Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton Members of the District of Columbia Council Congressman Tom Davis 4:00 p.m. Voting Rights Rally at the Capitol Reflecting Pool Location: National Mall at 3rd Street NW n Largest Voting Rights Rally in DC History

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Earth Conservation Corps (ECC) launched a month-long anti-litter campaign that will feature posters on Metro buses and in Metro Rail stations. Designed by ECC, the posters seek to educate and enlist the public in helping to restore the health and vitality of the Anacostia River by encouraging commuters not to litter. “Everyone has a role in restoring and protecting the Anacostia watershed. Clean streets and green parks will lead to a healthier, litter-free river in the nation’s capital,” said Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA’s assistant administrator for Water. Each year, volunteer groups in the D.C. area organize clean-up events to collect tons of trash from the Anacostia River, which runs through Washington, D.C. In early 2006, EPA partnered with ECC, a Washington, D.C. based nonprofit youth development and environmental service organization, to launch an anti-litter campaign poster contest for ECC members. As part of the contest, teams of ECC members were asked to design posters focused on curbing littering among neighbors and users of the Anacostia River. The winning poster was designed by ECC members Ricardo Moore, Latrice Shorts, Katrina Washington, Daryl Wallace and Hollis Wright. Its message states: “An Anacostia River That’s Clean Doesn’t Have to Be a Dream.” Throughout April, the poster will be displayed on the exterior of 20 Metro buses, inside 200 Metro buses, and displayed in five Metro stations, including L’Enfant Plaza, Anacostia, Stadium-Armory, Tenleytown-American University and Farragut West Metro stops. Founded in 1989, the ECC provides professional development and environmental training to disadvantaged young people ages 17 to 25 from the Washington Metro area. It motivates these youth to be leaders, engaging communities in education and service focused on restoring the Anacostia River. If you are interested in helping out, please contact one of the following: Earth Conservation Corps Center—Old Capitol Pump House 1st St.and Potomac Ave. SE Washington, DC 20003 Phone: 202-554-1960 Fax: 202-554-2060 Email: info@ecc1.org Matthew Henson Earth Conservation Center 2000 Half Street SW Washington, DC 20024 Phone: 202-479-6710 Fax: 202-479-9509 Email: info@ecc1.org

Republican Reps. Frank Wolf (Va.), Robert Aderholt (Ala.), Joseph Pitts (Pa.), and Darrell Issa (Calif.), visited President Assad in Syria, breaking with the White House. "I don't care what the Administration says on this. You've got to do what you think is in the best interest of your country. I want us to be successful in Iraq," said Rep. Wolf. Rep. Aderholt stated, "This is an area where we would would disagree with the administration. None of us in Congress work for the President. We have to cast our own votes and answer to our own constituents." Rep. Issa said, "President Bush is the head of state, but he hasn't encouraged dialogue. That's an important message to realize: we have tensions, but we have two functioning embassies."

Neighborhood Commissioner Kris Hammond updated me on what is going on at 1901 Lincoln Road.