Beautiful, wonderful nature: a time lapse

For Art may err, but Nature cannot miss.
- John Dryden

Detroit Church prays for auto bailout

The future of the auto industry is now in the hands of God.

That was the message behind the Sunday service led by Rev. Charles Ellis, of Detroit's Greater Grace Temple church, according to a Reuters report.

Alongside three hybrid SUV models from GM, Ford and Chrysler, Ellis stood at the altar and urged his parishioners, many of them auto workers, to pray for the approval of the bailout package proposed to Congress.

"This week, lives are hanging above an abyss of uncertainty as both houses of Congress decide whether to extend a helping hand," Ellis preached to the congregation. "We have never seen as midnight an hour as we face this week," he added.

Other Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders in "The Motor City" have also urged Congress to approve an auto aid package.

Florida approves California emissions limits

A satate commission approved today will toughen emissions standards for new cars sold in Florida, according to the Asssociated Press.

The Environmental Regulation Commission voted 6-1 on Tuesday to adopt California's emissions rules as a way of lowering greenhouse gases, which some blame for global warming.

The rules calling for more fuel efficient vehicles must now be approved by the Legislature. It is a priority for Gov. Charlie Crist.

Auto manufacturers and dealers oppose the standards, saying they will drive up vehicle costs and make some light trucks unavailable in Florida.

Environmental groups meet in support of Clean Car Act

Several environmental groups will display cars in the courtyard of the State Capitol that would meet a new clean emissions standard being proposed by Gov. Charlie Crist, The Associated Press reports today.

Representatives from the Sierra Club, Florida Wildlife Federation, Earthjustice and Florida Audubon will be at the Monday morning event to speak about the cars and the need for the new rule.


The Florida Environmental Regulation Commission is set to vote on the standard Tuesday morning.

According to the agenda, Tuesday's meeting will be a Continuation of the hearing held on Oct. 29 Rule 62-285.400, Florida Administrative Code, “Adoption of California Motor Vehicle Emission Standards.”

The agenda states that Greg DeAngelo, Professional Engineer, Division of Air Resource Management, will provide the proposed new rule which will require that motor vehicles delivered to Florida for sale, lease, or rent meet the motor vehicle emission standards in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations. Motor vehicle manufacturers will also have to comply with fleet-average standards for greenhouse gas emissions.

For those interested in attending, the meeting will take place in the following location:
Conference Room A, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Building
3900 Commonwealth Blvd.
Tallahassee, Florida
December 2, 2008, 9:00 a.m.