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ABIDJAN, Feb 24, 2012 (IPS) - Environmental groups in Côte d'Ivoire say the illegal logging and sale of wood from the African gum tree is exposing the north of the country to the encroaching desert. View post: Illicit Timber Trade Exposes the North to Drought

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ScienceDaily (Feb. 23, 2012) - Birds in eastern North America are picking up the pace along their yearly migratory paths. The reason, according to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers, is rising temperatures due to climate change. More: Climate Change, Increasing Temperatures Alter Bird Migration Patterns

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Brazil's government is fighting climate change with a special fund flush with cash from a tax on the country's oil industry. The money is to be distrubuted as loans to climate-friendly initiatives. Here is the original post: Oil tax funds climate projects in Brazil

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ScienceDaily (Feb. 23, 2012) - National results indicate that tree cover in urban areas of the United States is declining at a rate of about 4 million trees per year, according to a U.S. Forest Service study published recently in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. Read more: U.S. Urban Forests Losing Ground

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The IRS recently released an updated question and answer document for employers on reporting the cost of health insurance coverage on employees’ Form W-2s.... See the original post here: IRS Guidance on Reporting Cost of Health Insurance

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The Sacramento Bee – February 22, 2012 Republicans introduce Jerry Brown’s pension reform plan Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown’s 12-point public pension reform plan has some new supporters: Republicans. GOP lawmakers told reporters this morning that they are introducing ... Originally posted here: California – Republicans introduce Jerry Brown’s pension reform plan

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PROPOSED SUMMIT DATE: May 10, 2012 LOCATION: Administrative Office of the Courts, San Francisco The California Association of Drug Court Professionals is hosting a one day DRUG COURT AND OTHER COLLABORATIVE COURTS/AB 109 SUMMIT….[for full story see: ... Read more: DRUG COURT/AB 109 SUMMIT SURVEY

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Here’s a tip that all businesses should take to heart: do not call customers racial slurs on receipts. You could be sued. This is the very reason why Orange County restaurant Landmark Steakhouse is faced a lawsuit . African-American patron Mark McHenry was a regular at the restaurant. He thought he was getting along well with the restaurant...

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The Los Angeles Times – By Joel Rubin and Paloma Esquivel – February 23, 2012 Wading into a divisive, politically charged debate, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said Wednesday that California should issue driver’s licenses ... View post: Beck backs driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants

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On February 21, 2012, the United States Supreme Court denied yet another petition for a writ of certiorari in a case seeking review of Second Amendment issues. The Court declined to take review of United States v. Booker , 644 F.3d 12 (1st Cir. 2011), cert. denied , No. 11-6765, 2012 WL 538441 (U.S. Feb. 21, 2012). Booker...