dennis kucinich
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US Government Accountability Office recommends FCC reassess radiation limits for mobile phones
The topic of mobile phone radiation is once again on the burner in Washington D.C. Along with Representative Dennis Kucinich's proposed legislation that would institute labeling requirements and extensive research into the health effects of RF exposure, the US Government Accountability Office has issued a recommendation that the FCC update its current exposure limits and reevaluate current testing methodologies. As is, the FCC's radiation guidelines are based on research that was concluded in 1996, and while the US GAO concedes that this may lead to the adoption of higher SAR limits (in certain usage scenarios), the organization contends that it's time to bring current research and international recommendations into consideration. As potential cause for concern, the US GAO has also identified a failure of current testing methodologies. Put simply, manufacturers are currently required to submit specific absorption rates that reflect usage against both the head and body, however in the case of the body test, this is always done with the assumption of a holster. While a distance of 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters may not seem like much, SAR values increase with proximity, and many who use their mobile phones in their pockets -- say, with a Bluetooth headset -- are at risk of exposing themselves to RF limits that exceed current guidelines. The actual absorption rates are currently unknown. For its part, the FCC has responded to the US GAO and asserts that it has independently arrived at many of the same conclusions, and adds that it has initiated the procedural requirements necessary for the reevaluation of RF safety rules. Those who'd like to learn more can scour the complete recommendation, along with Rep. Kucinich's proposal, at the source links below.
House representative speaks out against 'Virtual Army Experience'
Ohio Democrat and US House rep Dennis Kucinich has got some serious beef with America's Army (the game, not the US Army) and the US government's "Virtual Army Experience." Billing the recruiting center-cum-arcade as a "high-tech traveling exhibit" and saying it advertises to "children as young as 13-years-old," Kucinich requested a variety of improvements be made to the experience -- for instance, not targeting the experience at people under 18 years old.The House Armed Services Committee chairman Ike Skelton acquiesced to Mr. Kucinich's requests in monotonal agreement, matter-of-factly stating, "I support the VAE -- at the same time, I know it can be improved." To see the entire thrilling exchange play out on C-SPAN, check it out after the break.[Via GamePolitics]
Kucinich comes to Second Life
Another politician has set up digs in Second Life. Dennis Kucinich, whose biggest talking point as a presidential candidate has probably been his strong stance against the Iraq War from the beginning, has created his own headquarters inside the Lindens' little universe. And as you can see above, things are pretty swank, if a little deserted.Looks like there's a few good discussion and hangout areas (I really like the podium in the atrium with the flowing curtains), and a few tents where you can "purchase" videos or t-shirts. Doesn't seem like the sim will be a huge draw just by itself, but if Kucinich's campaign actually puts it to good use (would be really fun, I'd wager, to spend an night watching the primary returns come in from there), it could be a good time.And Kucinich isn't the only presidential hopeful in SL-- Former Senator from Alaska Mike Gravel has a sim in there as well. Have any of the Republican candidates shown up in a virtual world, or do they just consider the whole thing a waste of time? Wait-- looks like Ron Paul has a setup in-world, too.
