Chelsea, farm breweries, and environmental scorecards

In her first public statement since being found guilty, WikiLeaks leaker Chelsea Manning (formerly Bradley Manning) expressed dismay at the things beings said on her behalf, and the assumption that she is a pacifist.

Another garment factory fire in Bangladesh. Yikes. A recurring tragedy indeed.

President Obama has indicated that he will nominate Janet Yellen to chair of the Federal Reserve, when Ben Bernanke completes his term in January.

And the FDA – which is partially affected by the shutdown, but mostly still up and running – is considering whether to allow a highly controversial study, in which scientists would change the genetic material in a woman’s egg. The idea is to prevent babies from getting genetic diseases.

Probably less contentious is the opening of 14 new microbreweries across New York state. Today Governor Cuomo welcomed the new businesses, which have opened with “Farm Brewery” licenses.

Also, Environmental Advocates of New York released its annual Environmental Scorecard for legislators in our state. Jeff Klein, down in the Bronx, won the 2013 Oil Slick award. In the North Country, legislators scored as follows. (Digging courtesy of Dale Hobson.)

Assembly member Addie Russell (D-116/Watertown) – 98

Assembly member Janet Duprey (R-115/Plattsburgh) – 54

Assembly member Marc W. Butler (R-118/Johnstown) – 54

Assembly member Daniel Stec (R-114/Glens Fall) – 46

Assembly member Tony Jordan (R-113/Saratoga Springs) – 41

Assembly member Kenneth Blankenbush (R-117/West Carthidge) – Inc.

Assembly average score – 85

 

Senator Hugh T. Farley (R-49/Balston Spa) – 42

Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R-43/Halfmoon) – 42

Senator Patricia Ritchie (R-48/Watertown) – 41

Senator Joseph Griffo (R-47/Utica) – 39

Senator Elizabeth O’C. Little (R-45/Glens Falls) – 39

Senate average score – 58

 

Here’s what’s coming tomorrow on the Eight O’clock hour:

Part two of our look at the NYCO minerals land swap in Essex County.  The proposal has divided green groups, with the two largest environmental organizations supporting the deal.  But three smaller activist groups say it would threaten the future of the Adirondack Park’s forest preserve.

Towns along the St. Lawrence River want more money to compensate for the effects of the hydropower dam nearby. The New York Power Authority generates millions of dollars in electricity there, but the project flooded towns and inhibited economic development along the shoreline.

Tune up your best tremolo and hoot! A celebration of loons at the Paul Smiths VIC this Sunday includes a loon call competition.