Share & Voice: Cell Phone Charging Station

First off, anyone who is interested in learning lots of fun projects for re-purposing or DIY projects of such nature, Pinterest is a very cool network where people post pictures of projects they have done and share them. I have found many cool things I will be trying in the future, so head on over and join if interested! This cool project I found through Pinetrest and decided it sounded like an awesome idea, as I often find myself struggling to find a good outlet that I feel comfortable just putting my phone on the ground next to. All you have to do is cut two slits in the Frisbee about one third of the way up, and then fold the small section inward. After that, just cut a hole the size of your charger, and place it over the charger and let your cellphone rest on it! If like me you find yourself with more Frisbees than you would ever know what to do with, this can be a great way or re-purposing a couple of them while saving you from worrying about stepping on your phone or losing your phone ever again!

Advocacy Project: Healthy People/THOMAS

The HealthyPeople 2020 environmental objective I am interested in is improving outdoor air quality by means of reducing mobile emissions. Reducing emissions will decrease the risk of adverse health effects caused by airborne toxins. 1.8 million tons of mobile sources of air toxic emissions were reported in 2005, and the target would be 1.0 million tons of emissions.

S.1285 Hybrid and Electric Trucks and Infrastructure Act

Summary: Hybrid and Electric Trucks and  Infrastructure Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2015 the tax credit for new qualified hybrid motor vehicles; (2) allow such credit for certain fuel-efficient heavy trucks and heavy electric vehicles; (3) extend through 2014 the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures; (4) expand the definition of refueling property for electric motor vehicles to include panel upgrades, wiring, conduit, trenching, pedestals, and related equipment; and (5) allow a new tax credit, through 2014, for 50% of the cost, up to $3,500, for electric idling reduction devices installed on heavy-duty diesel powered on-highway vehicles.  

Sponsor: Sen Kohl, Herb (WI) (introduced 6/28/2011) Cosponsors: Sen Blunt, Roy (MO) - 6/28/2011, Sen Hagan, Kay (NC) - 10/5/2011, Sen McCaskill, Claire (MO) - 9/19/2011

All actions: 6/28/11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Recommendation: Vote Yes for S.1285 Hybrid and Electric Trucks and Infrastructure Act

My Political Representative: Senator Herb Kohl (D, WI)