Melting of the Arctic sea ice due to global warming is diluting surface waters and this is endangering some species of shellfish which need minerals in the water to form their shells and skeletons, scientists have found.

In a paper published in Science, they warned that this has serious implications for ecosystems in the Arctic.

Source: Reuters

Arctic Polar Cap

The Pew Safe Credit Cards Project said Monday the median lowest advertised credit card rate rose to 11.99% in July from 9.99% in December. At the same time, the group said, the profit banks made on credit card debt rose 46%. [CNN]

The group, which says on its Web site that it seeks to “protect customers from unfair credit card practices,” said its figures are based on a survey of nearly 400 credit card issuers. The full results of the survey are scheduled to be published next month.

The nation’s banks raised credit card rates and increased their profit from lending to consumers in the first half of 2009, according to a consumer advocacy group.

Its all about profits.

My grandaughter is just finishing up with her pre-law studies at the University of California-Chico. Next year she hopes to go to law school. She has been working at two different jobs while attending school. My own experience indicates she will also have to work while attending law school, which is more expensive than undergraduate school. She is very determined to succeed. Her parents and my wife and I try to help her but none of us are wealthy.

Earlier in the day hundreds of students marched and chanted against the increase while outside the UCLA building in Los Angeles where regents met to vote on the hike.

Protesting students and others say the increased tuition will hurt working and middle-class students who benefit from state-funded education. But officials argue that a fee increase and deep cuts in school spending are necessary because of a persistent budget crisis that has forced reductions across California’s state government.

Students chanted as they marched and waved signs at UCLA. “Education only for the rich,” one sign read.

The first tuition hike, which takes effect in January, will cost undergraduate students an additional $585 a semester. The second hike kicks in next fall, raising tuition another $1,344.

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Join Organizing for America and local volunteers as we work to build strong volunteer teams around Nevada. These meetings are an opportunity for you to meet other local volunteers, and learn techniques to organize in your neighborhood. We will discuss elements of a strong team, volunteer roles and responsibilities, and ways to make your volunteer time both rewarding and impactful.

Time: Saturday, December 5 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Host: Steven Sisneros, Regional Field Director,

Contact Phone:
775-537-6633

Location: Wanda Cotton’s Home (Pahrump, NV)

1900 Sutton Dr.
Pahrump, NV 89048

Maps:

• Google Maps
• MapQuest
• Yahoo! Maps

You can RSVP and sign up for the leadership training at the Organizing for America website http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpcz2j.

For more information, visit the Organizing for America – Nevada blog at: nv.barackobama.com or follow us on:www.facebook.com/OFA.Nevada and www.twitter.com/ofa_nv.