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October 2012 (11)
ANCIENT BONES ARE NEW SPECIES OF WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS FISH; FIRST COELACANTH FOSSIL EVER DISCOVERED IN DFW
DALLAS (SMU)
SMU scientists and an amateur fossil collector from Fort Worth have unearthed a clue to the mystery of one of the world’s most famous fish, the coelacanth (pronounced SEE-la-kanth). Coelacanth fossil bones have been discovered on almost every continent. Now they’ve been found for the first time in North Texas. Small skull bones are those of a new species of 100 million-year-old coelacanth, says SMU paleontologist John Graf. Graf identified the fossils, which were discovered in Fort Worth by amateur fossil collector Robert Reid. See http://bit.ly/POF3Gl for video and images. The D-FW fossil expands the world’s scientific knowledge of where the famous fish lived 100 million years ago. SMU vertebrate paleontologist Louis L. Jacobs
( http://bit.ly/RvI5wf ) recommended to Reid that he donate the fossil and have it scientifically identified. Reid gave the fossil to SMU’s Shuler Museum of Paleontology. “It is astounding what can be learned from the discoveries that people like Rob Reid make in their own backyards,” said Jacobs, an SMU professor of Earth sciences and president of SMU's Institute for the Study of Earth and Man. “The discovery of living coelacanths in the Indian Ocean after being presumed extinct for 70 million years highlights one of the great mysteries of ocean life. Where were they all that time?
The new fossil from Texas is a step toward understanding this fascinating history.”
• D-FW coelacanth lived in ancient shallow sea covering Texas when dinosaurs roamed Earth.
• Few coelacanth fossils have been found in Texas.
• D-FW specimen is youngest coelacanth discovered in Texas.
• World’s oldest coelacanth specimens are 400 million years old.
• Until 1938, coelacanths were thought to have gone extinct 70 million years ago.
• In 1938 live coelacanths were discovered in the ocean off India, making them one of the oldest animals to inhabit Earth.
San Antonio, TX
State Senator Carlos Uresti emerged unscathed from his latest challenge from Tea Party Republican Michael Berlanga, a race the Texas Tribune recently included on their list of 20 races to watch. Final results available Wednesday morning show the incumbent won reelection 118,771 (61%) to 75,756 (39%) for the challenger. “My campaign focused on what I have made a priority during my time in the legislature-- our children, said Uresti. “Tonight voters confirmed our state needs to make education a priority next session, and that under-funded schools and a sky high Hispanic drop-out rate are unacceptable. The message I heard on the campaign trail is clear, our State must restore funding to our child abuse prevention programs that were de-funded last session. No child should pay the price of another two years of inaction.” District 19, one of the largest legislative districts in the country spans from southern Bexar county to the Mexico border, and tops out in the Permian basin of far West Texas. District 19 is majority minority, conservative, with a large population of elementary age minority children that represent the future demographic make-up of Texas. “I look forward to continuing to work hard on behalf of my constituents,” Uresti said “While the needs of a growing district may be great, the opportunities presented are far greater. We must work together to meet our challenges. Texas is our home, and we’re doing a lot right, but Texas can be even better.”
Washington, DC
For more than a year, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and others have said that the Hispanic vote would be the one to watch out for in the 2012 election. This was resoundingly confirmed by the results of last night’s election. According to an election eve poll conducted by ImpreMedia/Latino Decisions, the level of support for President Barack Obama among Latino voters was at near historic levels. And with significant Latino presence in states such as Florida, Virginia, Colorado, and Nevada, among others, there is no question that the Hispanic vote contributed mightily to President’s razor-thin margin of victory in each of those states. “We are very proud of our community tonight. Latino voters came out in large numbers – perhaps surpassing 10% of the electorate for the first time in history according to CNN Exit polls -- because they care deeply about the future of this country. They want to see our economy and opportunity expand, and the American dream available for all. And they clearly want to see the immigration issue resolved,” stated Janet Murguia. “In one of the closest presidential election in years, the battle for the Latino vote was no contest at all. There is no doubt from our own poll results that the President’s positions on the issues, and in particular his landmark decision this summer to grant deferred action to DREAM Act students, more closely mirrored the Latino electorate and were among the key reasons for the President’s historic showing among our community,” stated Janet Murguia, NCLR President. “But it is also true that the Republican Party and the Romney campaign failed to compete for our vote and they paid the price for it. Our community was clearly engaged in this election – NCLR itself surpassed our own goal and registered nearly 95,000 new voters. The community also clearly recognized that there was no Latino-focused Republican strategy and even more damaging, they were fully aware that candidate Romney has embraced ‘self-deportation’ as an immigration strategy, touted Kris Kobach as his immigration guru, and at one point promised to veto the DREAM Act,” continued Murguia. “In their post-mortem of the election, the Republican party needs to do some soul searching when it comes to the Latino community. NCLR firmly believes it is in our community’s best interests to have both parties actively and vigorously campaigning for our vote. And frankly, it is the party’s best interests as well. As this election demonstrated, in 2012, communities of color, young people, and women are not merely interest groups, they’re the ‘new normal’ demographic of the American electorate. And with nearly a million Latinos turning 18 every year for the foreseeable future, the Hispanic vote is now a fixture of American politics,” noted Murguia. “We are optimistic that we can and must come together to address our country’s continuing challenges because this election also revealed much common ground among American voters. The economy is the overwhelming concern of nearly every voter and education and health care remain high priorities. And finally, we agree with the voices in the Republican party who are saying that immigration needs to stop being a negative wedge issue for candidates and that the party should focus instead on a common-sense solution to our broken immigration system. Latinos are ready to step up and work with Congress and the Administration as soon as they reconvene to address these urgent concerns,” concluded Murguia.
Youth Vote, Strongly for Obama, Determines Outcome in Key Battleground States of PA, VA, FL, and OH
Medford/Somerville, Mass.
The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) - the preeminent youth research organization at Tufts University - this morning released an exclusive turnout estimate showing that 22-23 million young Americans (ages 18-29), or at least 49%, voted in Tuesday’s presidential election, according to national exit polls, demographic data, and current counts of votes cast. In Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, if Romney had won half the youth vote, or if young people had stayed home all together, he would have won those key battleground states. A switch of those 80 electoral votes would have also changed the presidency, electing Romney as president. To see more on this analysis, please visit: http://www.civicyouth.org/?p=4905. Young people represented 19% of the voters in yesterday’s election, with President Obama winning the majority of those votes over Governor Romney by 60% to 37%, according to the early released NEP. “Confounding almost all predictions, the youth vote held up in 2012 and yet again was the deciding factor in determining which candidate was elected President of the United States,” said CIRCLE director Peter Levine. “Young people are energized and committed voters. Youth turnout of around 50% is the ‘new normal’ for presidential elections. Considering that there are 46 million people between 18 and 29, this level of turnout makes them an essential political bloc. Right now, they form a key part of the Democrats’ national coalition. Republicans must find a way to compete for their votes.” According to CIRCLE’s exclusive estimate, youth voter turnout was at least 49.3%, based on data from about 97% of precincts that have fully reported their votes as of Wednesday morning. Youth turnout may reach 51% when the remaining 3% of precincts report. The minimum CIRCLE estimated at the same point in time in 2008 was 48.3%, but our 2008 estimate rose to 52% as more precincts reported. That means that 2004, 2008, and 2012 have been three strong elections in a row for youth, with turnout in the vicinity of 50% each time, compared to just 37% in 1996 and 41% in 2000. These estimates are subject to change, because in several states, less than 95% of precincts are reporting. Also, in some past years, the National Exit Polls (NEP), conducted by Edison Research, have adjusted their statistics in the first few days after an election. CIRCLE estimates youth voting after elections based on several variables, including the total number of ballots counted and the exit polls. These variables are subject to change in the hours and days after an election. Young voters favored Obama by a 24-point margin. The average gap from 1976 through 2004 was only about two percentage points, as young voters basically supported the same candidate as older voters in most elections. “Turnout” means the percentage of eligible citizens who voted, and youth voter turnout is the percentage of eligible 18-29 year olds who voted. CIRCLE’s final estimate will be based on the National Exit Polls conducted by Edison/Mitofsky, the number of ballots cast in the United States (aggregated from data provided by local election officials), and current Census data on the number of young citizens in the United States. CIRCLE has used precisely the same method to estimate youth turnout after previous elections since 1996. Using this consistent method, we estimate a historical trend that can be seen here: http://www.civicyouth.org/wpcontent/uploads/2012/11/2012exitpoll.jpg There is no official count of voters by age nationally immediately after the election. Therefore, any statistic on youth voter turnout is an estimate based on survey data. Like any survey, the National Exit Polls use methods that may introduce sampling bias. However, our estimates of youth turnout from the National Exit Polls (shown above) have produced a trend that closely tracks the trend in the Census Current Population Survey (CPS), which is the other reliable source for estimating youth turnout. CPS voting data for 2012 will not be available until spring 2013. Until then, our method produces the only reliable estimate of youth turnout.
AUSTIN, Texas
About half of Texas voters believe faith is a better guide than scientific evidence on most important questions, according to a recent University of Texas at Austin/Texas Tribune poll. According to the poll, which surveyed Texans on a wide range of attitudes related to science and public policy, a similar proportion of voters said that “instinct and gut reactions” are just as good as the advice of scientists in most cases. However, 66 percent of voters said politicians, when faced with a difficult decision, should follow the advice of relevant experts, even if it means going against their ideology. “We were interested in ascertaining how Texas voters view the role of science and scientists in the public policy process,” said Daron Shaw, professor of Government at The University of Texas at Austin, who oversees the survey. “What we found is that the polarization of contemporary politics is manifest in attitudes toward scientific expertise. Many people see biases in the scientific project, especially in contentious public policy areas. I’d be somewhat surprised if people had similar thoughts in the 1940s after the Manhattan Project or in the 1960s after the moon landing.” The statewide poll conducted Oct. 15-20 surveyed 800 registered Texas voters and has a margin of error of +/- 3.46 percentage points Voters were split on views regarding scientists and academics. Fifty-five percent agreed with the statement that “scientists and academics are not concerned about the moral implications of their research,” and 58 percent agreed with the statement “most university professors are liberals who are trying to push an ideological agenda with their research.” Voters were also asked, on a scale of one to 10, how much politicians and public officials should defer to scientists on various issues. Respondents tended to defer more to scientists on issues such as natural disaster preparedness, space exploration and nuclear power and less on issues such as gun control, abortion and birth control. “These results suggest that in policy areas in which there are sharp and public political divisions, many Texans’ reliance on science for guidance appears conditioned by other factors,” said James Henson, who also oversees the poll and is director of the Texas Politics Project and a lecturer in the Department of Government. “These results point us toward further research into what factors influence people’s willingness to rely on science to make judgments about policy. “As a preliminary observation, it certainly seemed that those who identified with the Republican Party were, on average, more skeptical than those who identified with the Democratic Party, which, given the pattern of party identification in Texas, helps explain some of the results,” said Henson. “But it will take more survey work to unpack what drives this apparent partisan difference.” This is the latest in a series of online polls conducted by the Texas Politics Project and The Texas Tribune. Comprehensive poll results, information about methodology and the survey dataset will be available at the Texas Politics Project website.
Maverick County Precinct 3 Commissioner Jose Luis RosalesRosales like always continuing his ongoing efforts in the fight againsts rabies. A Vaccine Clinic hosted by local veterinarian Dr. Claudia Torres will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2012 from 9 am - 12 pm noon. This clinic will take place at the Quemado Community House. We invite all residents who live in the Quemado and Normandy areas to come take advantage of this clinic that will help keep your pets healthy. Reduced rates are being offered to Precint 3 residents. Cash only is accepted. If you like more information please call the Maverick County Precinct 3 Administration Office at 830-773-1716 or visit us online at www.joseluisrosales.net
WASHINGTON
Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia announced today that the 2012 FSA county committee elections will begin on Monday, Nov. 5, with the mailing of ballots to eligible voters. The deadline to return the ballots to local FSA offices is Dec. 3, 2012.
“The role and input of our county committee members is more vital than ever,” said Garcia. “New county committee members provide input and make important decisions on the local administration of disaster and conservation programs. With better participation in recent years, we also have seen promising increases in the number of women and minority candidates.”
Eligible voters who do not receive ballots in the coming week can obtain ballots from their local USDA Service Center. Dec. 3, 2012, is the last day for voters to submit ballots in person to local USDA Service Centers. Ballots returned by mail must also be postmarked no later than Dec. 3. Newly elected committee members and their alternates will take office Jan. 1, 2013.
To be an eligible voter, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program. A person who is not of legal voting age, but supervises and conducts the farming operations of an entire farm also may be eligible to vote. Agricultural producers in each county submitted candidate nominations during the nomination period, which ended Aug. 1.
While FSA county committees do not approve or deny farm operating loans, they make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms. Nationwide, there are about 7,700 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to 11 members that are elected by eligible producers.
More information on county committees, such as the new 2012 fact sheet and brochures, can be found on the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov\elections or at a local USDA Service Center.
SmartTXVoter app part of “Make Your Mark on Texas” initiative, offers easy-to-use functions and fun features to encourage Texans to learn about voting
AUSTIN, Texas
The Office of Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade launches its first smartphone application, SmartTXVoter, to help Texans stay informed about statewide voting information like registration deadlines, early voting dates and candidates or amendments on the upcoming ballot. It also provides users the ability to remind themselves and others to vote.
“SmartTXVoter takes a big technical step forward in providing voting resources in the Lone Star State,” said Secretary Andrade. “We are making it easy for all Texans to determine if they’re registered to vote, locate polling places and have fun while learning about the voting process.”
Voters can use the app to schedule reminders for specific days and times to vote; learn how to register to vote; research online voting resources; and verify polling locations and hours. Weekly polls let Texans use the app to “vote” on questions such as “What Texas town has the best barbecue?”
SmartTXVoter can be viewed in English or Spanish, and it is formatted to be accessible for Texans with visual impairments. The app is part of the “Make Your Mark on Texas” voter education program, which educates Texans about voting information under the Help America Vote Act.
"Smartphone use among Texans of virtually all demographics is growing so this is a way we can put the power of voting in their hands where they need it, when they need it," said Secretary Andrade. “SmartTXVoter is essential for engaging Texas voters on an interactive level, and we continue to find ways to use technology to educate our citizens about voting.”
SmartTXVoter is free to download in the iTunes App Store and Google Play stores. To find out more about voting in the state of Texas, visit www.VoteTexas.gov.
JONESTOWN
Gov. Rick Perry today joined Dan Wallrath, founder and president of Operation Finally Home, and Jonestown Mayor Deane Armstrong to break ground on a brand-new, mortgage-free home for U.S. Army Spc. Augustine “Augie” Pena and his family, provided by Operation Finally Home, Silverton Custom Homes and Henley Homes.
“I am always humbled and amazed at the generous, caring nature of the people of Texas and their steady devotion to our long tradition of neighbor helping neighbor,” Gov. Perry said. “On this site will stand another fine example of the spirit of selfless compassion, manifested in a new home for Spc. Pena. He represents the American hero who always answers the call to defend freedom and the American way.”
Spc. Pena joined the Army Reserve in 2007, and was deployed to Iraq in 2009. After returning home, he remained in his reserve unit in St. Louis and enrolled in college in Chicago. While on his way to St. Louis to report for duty on Nov. 25, 2010, Spc. Pena stopped to assist another motorist with a flat tire and was hit by a drunk driver. The accident left Spc. Pena as a paraplegic.
Created by Bay Area Builders Association Support our Troops in 2005, Operation Finally Home partners with corporate sponsors, individual contributors and volunteers to help wounded and disabled veterans and their families transition from the battlefront to the home front by providing custom-made homes. To date, Operation Finally Home has completed 25 projects, with an additional 18 under way.
AUSTIN, TX
Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade today announced Texas reached a record number of registered voters on the Official List of Registered Voters. As of Friday, October 19, Texas has 13,646,226 registered voters; the highest number in state history. Tuesday, October 9 was the last day to register to vote in the November 6, 2012 General Election.
“I want to thank all Texans who registered to vote this year and all Texans who are already registered voters. The next step is getting to the polls during Early Voting or on Election Day,” said Secretary Andrade.
The previous record number of registered voters was 13,575,062 set for the November 2008 General Election.
As a reminder, Early Voting begins Monday, October 22, 2012 and runs through November 2, 2012. Voters can find links to polling places and times at www.VoteTexas.gov. During Early Voting, voters may cast a ballot at any polling place in their county of residence.
“With Early Voting beginning October 22nd, now is a perfect time for Texans to begin preparing to cast their ballot,” said Secretary Andrade. “Now’s the time to verify your voter registration status, locate your registration certificate, make sure it’s signed, verify where your county’s polling places are, review what’s on your ballot and make plans to go vote.”
Photo identification is not required when voting in person during Early Voting or on Election Day. To cast a ballot during Early Voting or on Election Day, voters should present their Voter Registration Certificate or in lieu of a Voter Registration Certificate, at least one of the following:
• A driver's license or personal identification card issued to you by the Texas Department of Public Safety or a similar document issued to you by an agency of another state, even if the license or card has expired;
• A form of identification that contains your photograph and establishes your identity;
• A birth certificate or other document confirming birth that is admissible in a court of law and establishes your identity;
• Your United States citizenship papers;
• Your United States passport;
• Official mail addressed to you by a governmental entity; or
• A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.
For more information on the November 6 General Election, please visit www.VoteTexas.gov.