Global Warming

[HisDaughter]

You're hurt'in my leg Marnie.

(You ever see that Alfred Hitchcock episode where the old woman would say that everytime she got annoyed with her daughter?) 

[Shammu]

"This article," Bart Gripenstraw told the newspaper, "gave me a good chuckle this morning. It almost made me want to drive up to Aspen in my gas guzzling SUV, premium unleaded gas of course, with my wife in her full length fur coat so we could enjoy this beautiful fire pit. I am sure Al Gore would jump on his private lear jet, (sic) leaving behind his tastefully done 30,000 sq. foot home in Tennessee, to join me in a toast to the sillyness (sic) he has helped create."

[Soldier4Christ]

You're hurt'in my leg Marnie.

(You ever see that Alfred Hitchcock episode where the old woman would say that everytime she got annoyed with her daughter?) 

Nope, I don't remember seeing that episode but I had a friend that used to say that every time our Commander irked him. The message was pretty clear what he meant.

 

[Shammu]

Japan Urges China to Sway Global Issues

By ANITA CHANG – 1 day ago

BEIJING (AP) — Japan urged China to use its growing influence to make an impact on key global issues such as climate change during summit talks Friday that reflected the countries' warmer ties.

The countries have a history of animosity stemming from disputes over territory, resources and wartime history, but Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's four-day visit follows several friendly meetings between leaders and a Chinese warship's historic port call to Japan.

"In the long history of our relations, there has never been a time when Japan and China has had more influence or responsibilities in Asia and the world," Fukuda said at a joint news conference with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. "We face a big opportunity going forward."

"There have indeed been various problems in the relationship between Japan and China. But it is time for us to overcome these problems and push forward the development of our relationship," he said.

Wen also praised improved relations between the two countries.

"Prime Minister Fukuda said the spring has come in our relations and after 2 1/2 hours of talks, I truly feel that the spring of China-Japan relations has indeed arrived," Wen said.

Fukuda was to meet later Friday with President Hu Jintao, and Wen confirmed that Hu will visit Japan next year. It will be the first such trip by a Chinese head of state since Jiang Zemin's in 1998.

Fukuda said Japan would send a warship to China in 2008 as part of efforts to build mutual confidence. The visit follows a Chinese warship's historic port call to Japan this year.

The two sides signed an agreement to promote scientific and technological cooperation to fight climate change. The agreement calls for Japan to invite 50 young Chinese researchers every year for the next four years to be trained to combat global warming.

They also issued a memorandum aimed at increasing exchanges between the youth of China and Japan. Next year Japan will invite 3,000 Chinese high school students to visit while sending 1,000 to China, Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mitsuo Sakaba said.

Fukuda had placed climate change at the top of his agenda for the meeting. Japan is eager to help China tackle pollution that is increasingly felt across the sea in Japan.

"Both sides have consistently believed that, on climate change, pushing forward cooperation is our duty and responsibility in the international community," Fukuda said.

Industries in China are notorious for their inefficiency, requiring more coal or other energy sources to produce the same amount of output as a plant in Japan.

Other topics included a long-running dispute over China and Japan's competing claims to gas reserves in the East China Sea, which both nations hope to exploit to feed their fuel-hungry economies.

"We will continue negotiations and aim for a resolution as quickly as possible," Fukuda said after meeting with Wen.

The two also discussed North Korea, a close ally of Beijing that has been accused of abducting Japanese citizens during the 1970s and '80s.

Fukuda will visit the industrial port of Tianjin on Saturday and will make a stop in Qufu, the birthplace of the ancient philosopher Confucius, before returning home Sunday.

Japan Urges China to Sway Global Issues

[Shammu]

China could care less about "global warming".

China isn't about to pay some socialist, er "global warming carbon tax". China's interest lies solely in money and power. The closer ties between Japan and China are the striking thing in these articles. Just a short time ago, this would have been unthinkable. Kings of the East y'all!!

[Soldier4Christ]

Snowfall nears record for Wisconsin city
Estimated 24.5 inches blankets Oshkosh this December

Another round of snow blanketed Oshkosh with about four inches of the white stuff fell Friday adding to a near record snowfall for the month.

So far, an estimated 24½ inches of snow has fallen in Oshkosh this December, which is believed to be the fourth most since at least 1948, according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, Champaign, Ill. The agency reported the record snowfall for December, 25.7 inches, fell in Oshkosh is in 2000.

Oshkosh’s average snowfall in December is about 11 inches and the normal seasonal snowfall during winter in the city is 41.3 inches.

The heaviest snow on Friday fell between noon and 4 p.m. About an inch of snow fell Friday evening with accumulating snow ending by 8 p.m. Light snow is also forecast for Sunday and Monday.

Oshkosh received measurable snowfall on eight days so far this month.

December has been a snowy month throughout the state. Wisconsin Rapids received a state-high 18.2 inches of snow last weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

The snow is good news for businesses.

Geri Cauley, a floor manager for Kitz & Pfeil Hardware on North Main Street in Oshkosh, said Friday afternoon that snow-melting products are going out the door quite fast.

“We still have an ample supply of snow shovels,” she said.

Todd Messerschmidt, manager of the Kitz & Pfeil Power Center in Oshkosh, said it’s been “an awesome” month for sales of snowblowers, parts and service.

“We haven’t had snow like this in a number of years,” he said.

Messerschmidt said their power center in Oshkosh sold 113 snowblowers in about one week after the first storm of the month, when eight inches of snow fell on Dec. 1.

Rural Omro dairy farmer Jeff Bradley said the abundance of snow helps insulate crops already in the ground, such as alfalfa, and prevents the crops from being damaged by ice.

“There’s also extra moisture for the fields in the spring,” he said.

Officials from the NWS in Green Bay said the 90-day forecast for January through March calls for below normal precipitation and a 30 percent chance for below normal temperatures.

It’s just a forecast and the weather could change, said Dan Clark, a meteorological technician for the NWS in Green Bay.

“There are so many variables that go into this and it covers a big area,” Clark said.

[Soldier4Christ]

State of Ill. Sponsoring Kids Global Warming Poster Contest

Here is the sort of garbage your State EPA is foisting on your children, Illinois. The State EPA is instituting a Statewide Poster And Poetry/Prose Exhibit: "Global Warming – What Can We Do?" for the kiddies to help the Democrat controlled state EPA office to further their globaloney propaganda. Nothing like forcing our kids to toe the line of political propaganda, eh? Of course, it matches right up with our school children being forced to read that "Heather has two Mommies" and being handed condoms for their sexual escapades, doesn't it? Apparently, we don't need to be bothering our children with those ridiculous things like history, math and real science when there are so many political agendas that need to be pushed!

The state EPA is making global warming political propaganda fun, though.

We invite your students to participate in the annual Environmental Pathways statewide poster and poetry/prose exhibit. The theme of the 2008 event will be “Global Warming – What Can We Do?” focusing on the importance of clean air and protecting our environment.

Loads of fun for all the kiddies.

Here is the thing, though. The state EPA is propagating an idea that is no way settled scientifically. This is not a "scientific" or factual based endeavor, but a political one.

And, get a load of this liberal, emotion-speak from the state EPA website:

We believe that the creation of posters and written works gives your students an opportunity to express and share, on a deeper and more personal level, what they have learned. The student exhibit also draws attention to environmental issues.

Yes, let us all "share" on a "deeper and more personal level" shall we?

What poppycock.

Illinoisans, this is what your taxes are paying for. Take note.

I wonder how many other states are indoctrinating the children in this manner.

[Soldier4Christ]

Energy-saving light bulbs blamed for migraines
'A debilitating condition which can often leave people bedridden for days'

The energy-saving light bulbs that will be made compulsory in homes in a few years can trigger migraines, campaigners have claimed.

The Migraine Action Association (MAA) said some of its members alleged the fluorescent bulbs had led to attacks of the powerful headaches.

By 2011, Britain will be the first European country to phase out traditional bulbs as part of a strategy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The MAA is calling on the Government to avoid a complete ban on old-style bulbs, by providing an opt-out for people with health problems.

Last year it was claimed that the "green" bulbs can cause people with epilepsy to experience symptoms similar to the early stages of a fit.

There have also been complaints from people with lupus, a chronic immune disease that causes pain and extreme tiredness.

Low energy light bulbs use only a quarter of the energy consumed by traditional versions and are estimated to save 2,000 times their weight in greenhouse gases.

They are often five times more expensive but the greater efficiency means they can pay for themselves within months.

Several versions use a technology similar to fluorescent strip lights and some migraine sufferers say they produce a flickering effect that triggers their condition.

Karen Manning, from the MAA, said: "When the Government announced that traditional light bulbs would be phased out, we were inundated with over 200 calls and emails from members who said the flickering had caused migraines.

"This is a debilitating condition which can often leave people bed-ridden for days.

"The bulbs do not necessarily affect every sufferer, but we are talking about up to six million people in the UK who suffer migraines - so this is a serious concern.

"We would ask the Government to avoid banning them completely and leave some opportunity for conventional bulbs to be purchased."

The Lighting Association, which represents manufacturers, denied that modern designs produced a flicker.

A spokesman said: "A small number of cases have been reported by people who suffer from reactions to certain types of linear fluorescent lamps. These were almost certainly triggered by old technology."

[Soldier4Christ]

Today's Global Warming Updates

New Year's Snowstorm Smothers Midwest

A Midwestern storm that dropped up to 16 inches of snow on New Year's Day snarled traffic on highways and runways and extended the winter vacation at dozens of schools.

The storm was threatening to cause similar disruptions as it moved into New England. Meanwhile, new snow was falling early Wednesday across much of Michigan and Ohio, where thousands of people had lost power the day before.

Authorities reported no deaths or serious injuries from the six-hour blast of Michigan snow, which started early Tuesday. But they said there were many spinouts and minor accidents on the roadways.

The storm extended the winter holiday through Wednesday for students at dozens of schools across southeastern Michigan.

Ten to 16 inches of snow buried parts of Oakland, Lapeer and St. Clair counties north of Detroit, the National Weather Service said. The western St. Clair County community of Capac reported 16 inches.

"This will be a memorable storm for the amount of snow it dumped in such a short amount of time," Weather Service meteorologist David Shuler said.

He said it was the region's heaviest New Year's Day snowstorm on record and was unusual for its intensity. During the heart of the storm, snow fell at a rate of at least 2 inches an hour, with periods of 4 inches an hour.

Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, one of the nation's busiest, canceled about 150 flights Tuesday and reported delays of about 45 minutes because of blowing snow. Passengers also experienced morning delays at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, but operations were back to normal by the afternoon, spokesman Michael Conway said.

Utility officials reported scattered power failures affecting more than 36,000 homes and businesses.

The storm also blacked out 10,000 customers in northeast Ohio, mainly in areas east of Cleveland, said Chris Eck, a spokesman for FirstEnergy Corp. Wind gusted to 51 mph at Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport, the Weather Service said.

FirstEnergy repair crews had difficulty keeping up with the storm. "As they're getting lights on, lights are going off. They're just fighting it as it happens," Eck said.

Farther east, the weather system spread snow across upstate New York and northern New England, where it was expected to last into Wednesday and drop as much as a foot of snow on parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

It followed a storm in the Northeast on Monday that made for the snowiest December in the region in decades. December's snowfall at Concord, N.H., totaled 44.5 inches, toppling a record of 43 inches that had stood since 1876. Burlington, Vt., got 45.7 inches, far above its 17.2-inch December average, and Portland, Maine, amassed 37.7 inches for its third-snowiest December on record.

New Hampshire has already spent $30 million on snow removal out of the $75 million budgeted for the entire winter, said highway department spokesman Bill Boynton.

However, New England ski resorts enjoyed the flurry of storms after last year's lack of snow early in the season.

Maine received a fresh layer of snow on top of the roughly 6 feet that accumulated last month at the state's two biggest ski resorts, Sugarloaf USA and Sunday River.

"It's been unbelievable," Sugarloaf spokesman Bill Swain said. "It just keeps coming."

[Soldier4Christ]

Today's Global Warming Updates

Fla. Citrus Growers Brace for Cold Snap


Farmers rushed to protect citrus and other crops Tuesday as Florida braced for plunging temperatures, with the governor even lifting certain agricultural regulations as a precaution.

Temperatures were expected to drop below freezing in much of the state Tuesday night, hitting the lower to mid-20s for a few hours in many areas. Wind chill factors were expected to dive into the teens Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Gov. Charlie Crist issued an order late Monday relaxing restrictions in getting harvested crops moved to processing centers.

Officials were most concerned about the state's large citrus industry, though the state produces nearly 300 crops and much of the nation's domestically grown fruits and vegetables during the winter.

"If it only stays below freezing for four to six hours, we're OK, but after about six hours it starts to do its damage. If it freezes the oranges, obviously they're no good," Florida agriculture spokeswoman Liz Compton said.

The early harvest of citrus starts in November and December, Compton said. But beans, corn, cucumbers and eggplant are also being harvested and could be affected, Compton said.

With New Year's Day temperatures in South Florida still in the 80s, sunbathers got in one last tan Tuesday before temperatures were expected to drop there by about 20 degrees.

Freeze warnings were posted down to areas just north of Tampa and Orlando, according to the National Weather Service.

In northern Florida, high temperatures Wednesday and Thursday are forecast to remain in the 40s. Central Florida is expected to see 50s, and only 60s can be expected in the Keys and southeast Florida, emergency management officials said.

Some of the coldest weather was expected in the Florida Panhandle, where temperatures are forecast to plummet into the 20s.

Forecasters anticipated potential freezes from Wednesday evening into Thursday. Five-day forecasts had the cold snap ending by the weekend.

Many of the state's 40,000 commercial farmers were making preparations. One farmer told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel he was readying helicopters to fly over his fields if the temperature drops below freezing; the blades can circulate air and prevent frost from forming. Other farmers were contemplating turning on irrigation systems, which can also ward off frost, and some were harvesting early.

The governor's order relaxed size and weight restrictions on commercial vehicles taking vulnerable crops to processing sites.

Some fishermen were not going out because of expected high winds. Dive shop operators, too, were looking at potential high winds later in the week and the possibility they could create choppy seas and stir up sand, which affects visibility.

[Soldier4Christ]

Today's Global Warming Updates

Snow Falls In Central Fla.; Hundreds Without Power On Coldest Morning
Resident Says Snowing Hard Enough To Use Wipers On Cars

Some residents in Daytona Beach and other parts of Central Florida photographed snowflakes in their neighborhoods as temperatures fell below freezing early Thursday.

The Macklefish family snapped several photos of snow around their Volusia County home at about 8 a.m. and sent them to Local6.com.

"We are getting some returns and we have had a couple of returns that have made their way on shore," Local 6's Elizabeth Hart said. "I'm not sure if it has reached the ground but atmospheric conditions are such that there may be a couple of flurries that way."

Another resident said it was snowing hard enough near Ormond Beach that she had to use her windshield wipers during her commute.

Conditions in parts of Central Florida were favorable for snow flurries Thursday because of clouds similar to those in the Great Lakes states that produce lake-effect snow.

A hard freeze warning was issued for areas north of Interstate 4 and counties located south of I-4 were under a general freeze warning.

With the wind chill, it felt like 15 degrees in Ocala, Local 6 reported Thursday.

A gradual warm-up is expected over the next two days in Central Florida.

"By the time we get to the weekend, we are right back into some warm Florida temperatures," Hart said.

Saturday's high temperature is expected to be 74 degrees in Orlando.

Hundreds Without Power

Hundreds of Central Floridians were left without power on the coldest day in years due to several outages, according to officials.

Progress Energy said some 2,000 families near University Boulevard and the 417 were without power Thursday after temperatures fell into the high 20s and low 30s.

Another reported outage left nearly 1,000 families without electricity in the Orlo Vista area of Orange County.

Progress Energy said an equipment problem blew out a major part of a grid at about 1 a.m. Thursday. The problem was fixed about four hours later.

[Soldier4Christ]

Today's Global Warming Updates

 NEW YEAR BIG FREEZE IS COMING



BRITAIN faces one of its bitterest winters for 100 years, with temperatures set to plummet to -17C (1.4F), forecasters warned last night.

The New Year will begin with a freezing cold snap that will sweep across the country, causing “havoc” in its wake.

And forecasters predict an even icier Arctic blast will strike later in the month to bring the coldest recorded temperatures in 20 years.

Sleet and snow are expected in many parts over the next few days. And spells of freezing weather are set to last until the end of February.

The sudden cold snap is predicted to cause chaos, as it coincides with millions of people returning to work after the Christmas break.

Car breakdowns on Wednesday are set to rocket by 70 per cent as an estimated 45,000 drivers in England and Wales find their cars unable to start due to the cold weather.

The Highways Agency has already put 500 gritting vehicles on standby to cope with the predicted snowfall.

Concern is also growing for the welfare of the 2.5million pensioners across the UK who live in poorly heated homes.

Piers Corbyn, from long-range weather forecasters WeatherAction, said: “It is likely to be one of the six coldest Januarys for 100 years and is expected to include at least one exceptionally cold spell, similar to that experienced in January 1987 and the legendary January of 1740 when biting, strong, easterly winds and snow wreaked severe havoc.

“There is likely to be a number of days when temperatures in many parts stay below freezing all day.

“The lowest night temperatures in parts of the Midlands, Northern England or Scotland could be as low as -17C (1.4F) or possibly colder.”

The Met Office yesterday forecast a bitterly cold snap for almost the whole of the UK in the middle of this week.

Temperatures are expected to plunge from a mild 10C (50F) to -4C (25F) overnight in northern areas by Thursday and a blanket of snow is likely in many parts.

Robin Downton, of the Met Office, predicted snowfall in the East and North of England and eastern Scotland on Wednesday, possibly spreading to the Midlands, East Anglia and the South on Thursday.

He said: “The weather is going to turn really cold during Wednesday and by Thursday it will feel jolly cold throughout the whole of the country, apart from the very far West and South-west.

“With the strong winds, it will be a bit of a shock for people because it will feel bitterly cold. With the wind-chill, it will feel perishing.”

The freezing temperatures will feel even worse because of the mild winter Britain has enjoyed so far.

By the weekend, temperatures are due to thaw to about 11C (52F) but forecasters say the respite will be only temporary, with further winter misery to come. Jonathan Powell, senior forecaster at Positive Weather Solutions, said: “During February we will see an extended cold snap. We would expect it to be much colder than January.

“It will not be a pleasant month. We would expect many days where the temperatures struggle to get above freezing.

“There will be harsh frosts and snow at the start and the end of the month.”

The gloomy forecast means revellers looking forward to welcoming in 2008 outdoors should make the most of the next two days.

Unlike last year when many New Year and Hogmanay celebrations had to be cancelled, mild temperatures of about 8C (46F) are expected for the evening.

Wales and most of England will be mainly dry and cloudy today, although one or two showers are anticipated.

Revellers in northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, however, can expect rain.

Those hoping to walk off the excesses of New Year’s Eve can expect a mild but cloudy day on January 1.

Most areas will remain dry but rain is expected in central and southern Scotland, North-east England and East Anglia.

The mercury is expected to top 10C (50F) in southern England on New Year’s Day and will only be a few degrees cooler across the rest of the UK.

[Soldier4Christ]

Today's Global Warming Updates

Coldest winter in nearly 15 years ahead: Environment Canada

Big chill coming for most of country

Canadians who enjoyed last winter's mild temperatures and relatively light snowfall better get ready to bundle up -- it's going to be a cold one.

Environment Canada announced Friday that winter this year is expected to be the coldest in nearly 15 years. From December through February, conditions are forecast to be the harshest since the early 1990s.

Southwestern Ontario and parts of northern Canada are the only areas expected to experience the usual weather this winter.

"The highest confidence we have that our forecast will be good is for the Prairies. We have our models showing that it's going to be quite cold there," said Richard Moffet, a meteorologist at the Canadian Meteorological Centre in Montreal.

The last time Canada experienced such a cold season was in 1994, when temperatures dropped as low as -42C before factoring in the wind chill.

But Mr. Moffet said there could be an upside to the brutal weather.

"Maybe the winter in the Prairies will seem to be like the good old winters. People will be able to skate outside and play hockey," he said.

Environment Canada has forecast regular amounts of snow, although cities such as Calgary, Regina and Toronto could get more than usual.

Last year's winter saw green Christmases in the traditionally snowy cities of Timmins, Quebec City and Ottawa. The provinces of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island only had two-thirds of their usual snowfall.

This year's cold weather is being triggered in part by La Nina, a period of lower than normal temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, according to Mr. Moffet.

"Off the coast of Peru, it's colder than usual and it's going to be there for all of winter and into the next spring for sure. This is going to be long-lasting," he said.

[Soldier4Christ]

Today's Global Warming Updates

 Kashmir Valley at minus seven degrees

Srinagar: The banks of Dal Lake froze for the second time this winter as the mercury plunged to a record low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius in Kashmir valley on Sunday while Leh in Ladakh was reeling under a numbing 15 below freezing point.

After the coldest night of the season, the sun came out brightly as a respite to people using hot water to defreeze water pipes and also thawing the lake. Besides Dal Lake, which is the main draw for tourists, icicles had formed on other water bodies in the valley but melted as the day advanced.

“The overnight temperature in Srinagar recorded this morning was minus 7.2 C, the season’s lowest so far and 5 degrees below the normal range,” a weather office spokesman said. The temperature was a 2 degree drop from Thursday’s minus 5.6 C, which was the coldest till then, he said.

This has zapped the valley’s denizens who expect the ‘chilai kalan’ (40 days of harsh winter) period to be just snow and rain. ‘Chilai kalan’ begins from December 21.

Leh district saw the minimum temperature as minus 15.2 C on Saturday.

[Soldier4Christ]

Today's Global Warming Updates

Early winter of our discontent: More snow, cold than years past

DOVER — Technically, winter hasn't begun, but try telling that to plow truck drivers.

With the winter solstice just around the corner on Saturday, an average of 20.9 inches of snow has already blanketed the state in the month of December.

According to the National Weather Service Meteorologist Tom Hawley, New Hampshire hasn't had this much snow in December since 2003, when an average of 21.1 inches fell.

Before that, the December record snowfall was in 1995.

"I think we've been getting soft in the past few years," Hawley said about the limited snow fall and warmer temperatures.

On average, this December has also had the coldest temperatures in the past 18 years, at approximately 21 degrees Fahrenheit.

"It's about 8 degrees below norm — 7.7 degrees," Hawley said. "You have to go back to 1989 to have the last average coldest temperatures in December, where there was a record of 11.9 degrees."

Last year is balmy by comparison — December 2006 had an average temperature of 33.9 Fahrenheit.

Meteorologists predicted that Thursday's storm will have dropped six to nine inches in Strafford and Rockingham counties.

Several York County, Maine, towns reported accumulations of around a half-foot. Totals were lower farther north and east in Maine.

The snowfall was enough to make it the snowiest December in Portland, Maine, since 1995 when 33.9 inches of snow fell in the month, said Hawley.

Before the latest storm, Portland had recorded 22.7 inches of snow and Concord, N.H., had recorded 20.9 inches.

Today is expected to be mostly sunny and clear with highs in the 30s.

Saturday, the official start of winter, is expected to be sunny during the day with a high of 33 degrees Fahrenheit and a 30 percent chance of freezing rain in the evening after 1 a.m.