The Mother Earth:
Are Plants Aware?
An article in the Christian Science Monitor reported on research by scientists in “the evolving paradigm of plant intelligence.” The story by Patrik Jonsson noted that some scientists believe plants are capable of carefully considering their environment, speculating on the future, conquering territory and enemies, “and are often capable of forethought – revelations that could affect everyone from gardeners to philosophers.” Jonsson added that the research has opened “a sprouting debate over the nature of intelligence itself.”
An article in the Christian Science Monitor reported on research by scientists in “the evolving paradigm of plant intelligence.” The story by Patrik Jonsson noted that some scientists believe plants are capable of carefully considering their environment, speculating on the future, conquering territory and enemies, “and are often capable of forethought – revelations that could affect everyone from gardeners to philosophers.” Jonsson added that the research has opened “a sprouting debate over the nature of intelligence itself.”
The Amazing Intelligence of Fish
Because they exist in an environment so unlike our own, humans generally consider fish as nothing more than creatures to be caught, scaled and fried for the dinner table. Some people enjoy placing smaller colorful fish in home tanks as instruments of decoration and personal amusement. Some people consider fish as personal pets. It is this latter group that may not be surprised at a finding by Oxford University researcher Cait Newport and her team that a study of archerfish revealed that this breed of fish can clearly distinguish between the human faces peering at them from the other side of the tank. The study, which appeared in a recent issue of Scientific Reports, not only describes the way Newport’s team proved its findings, but suggests that if archerfish can make this distinction, then other fish probably can too.
Because they exist in an environment so unlike our own, humans generally consider fish as nothing more than creatures to be caught, scaled and fried for the dinner table. Some people enjoy placing smaller colorful fish in home tanks as instruments of decoration and personal amusement. Some people consider fish as personal pets. It is this latter group that may not be surprised at a finding by Oxford University researcher Cait Newport and her team that a study of archerfish revealed that this breed of fish can clearly distinguish between the human faces peering at them from the other side of the tank. The study, which appeared in a recent issue of Scientific Reports, not only describes the way Newport’s team proved its findings, but suggests that if archerfish can make this distinction, then other fish probably can too.
Does Water Have Consciousness?
Water, perhaps the most vital component for life, is so abundant on Earth that most humans take it for granted. Yet the very consistency of water is a mystery within itself. Comprised of two explosive gasses, hydrogen and oxygen, when combined in a simple formula of two parts oxygen and one part hydrogen, it becomes a fluid substance that has the capability of dowsing fire and maintaining life. Once the gases combine to form water, it almost takes a rocket scientist to figure out how to separate them again. Now a Japanese scientist is saying he believes that water has a consciousness of its own and that mankind must not only understand this, but learn to show a love and respect for water if we expect to continue our existence.
Water, perhaps the most vital component for life, is so abundant on Earth that most humans take it for granted. Yet the very consistency of water is a mystery within itself. Comprised of two explosive gasses, hydrogen and oxygen, when combined in a simple formula of two parts oxygen and one part hydrogen, it becomes a fluid substance that has the capability of dowsing fire and maintaining life. Once the gases combine to form water, it almost takes a rocket scientist to figure out how to separate them again. Now a Japanese scientist is saying he believes that water has a consciousness of its own and that mankind must not only understand this, but learn to show a love and respect for water if we expect to continue our existence.
Michigan’s Massive Salt Reserves
To fly over the State of Michigan today one would never guess that the entire state hides one of the largest deposits of natural salt to be found anywhere. The state has long been known as an industrial and agricultural center. Before this it was known for the great stands of timber, the mining of iron ore and copper and the great schools of fish once scooped from the lakes. Deep in the ground, almost everywhere men drilled for water, if the drill bits went too deep they always hit salt water. Miners along the Lake Huron shoreline, from White Rock south to Port Huron and Detroit, found thick veins of salt that were turned into yet another profitable business enterprise.
To fly over the State of Michigan today one would never guess that the entire state hides one of the largest deposits of natural salt to be found anywhere. The state has long been known as an industrial and agricultural center. Before this it was known for the great stands of timber, the mining of iron ore and copper and the great schools of fish once scooped from the lakes. Deep in the ground, almost everywhere men drilled for water, if the drill bits went too deep they always hit salt water. Miners along the Lake Huron shoreline, from White Rock south to Port Huron and Detroit, found thick veins of salt that were turned into yet another profitable business enterprise.
The Sixth Mass Extinction Looms
I think I first began to be aware that something was going wrong with the environment when I met a university science professor and researcher who kept a cottage at Port Sanilac, Michigan, in the late 1970s. This man talked about his concern about the growing acidity found in rain. He said it was a sign of an unbalanced atmosphere caused by a buildup of carbon emissions. He was warning even then that something needed to be done to stop what was happening before it led to serious trouble like global warming and all the problems that it would cause.
I think I first began to be aware that something was going wrong with the environment when I met a university science professor and researcher who kept a cottage at Port Sanilac, Michigan, in the late 1970s. This man talked about his concern about the growing acidity found in rain. He said it was a sign of an unbalanced atmosphere caused by a buildup of carbon emissions. He was warning even then that something needed to be done to stop what was happening before it led to serious trouble like global warming and all the problems that it would cause.
Food And Water Shortages Are Closer Than You Think
A shocking 2007 report by a United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that global warming will bring extreme water and food shortages affecting billions of people by the year 2080 if the problem is not solved quickly. From events over the 15 years since that report was issued, we believe the crisis may be upon us already. The report, published by an Australian newspaper in advance of a planned IPCC meeting in Paris, warned that as global temperatures rise, potable drinking water will no longer meet world needs, large areas of farmland will turn to desert, and rising sea levels will flood millions of homes, forcing people to move into the dry arid lands farther inland. Indeed, these things already are coming to pass. Also intensifying has been extreme weather change, including severely hot summers, severely cold winters and intense storms bringing flooding, high winds and general destruction across the land. Large areas of once prime farmland have been victims of desertification as world weather patterns change.
Arctic Release Of Methane Now At Deadly Levels
During the years when scientists were warning us about the "greenhouse effect" of carbon dioxide from the mass burning of carbon based fuels, it was also theorized that if the heating Earth caused the Arctic ice to melt there would also be a huge release of methane gas entrapped in the ice that would intensify the problem. While the media has rarely been reporting it, the worst scenario imaginable is now happening as the Arctic ice is, indeed, disappearing at an alarming rate. The methane which has been trapped in that ice and deep below the ocean for millions of years was found to be releasing at "a staggering rate" according to Arctic News.
During the years when scientists were warning us about the "greenhouse effect" of carbon dioxide from the mass burning of carbon based fuels, it was also theorized that if the heating Earth caused the Arctic ice to melt there would also be a huge release of methane gas entrapped in the ice that would intensify the problem. While the media has rarely been reporting it, the worst scenario imaginable is now happening as the Arctic ice is, indeed, disappearing at an alarming rate. The methane which has been trapped in that ice and deep below the ocean for millions of years was found to be releasing at "a staggering rate" according to Arctic News.
Pushing The Mother’s Reset Button
It is no secret that our planet is overpopulated and that the human existence has taxed the Mother Earth’s ecological system to the limit. The air, land and our seas are polluted, the planet’s resources are almost used up, our glaciers and icecaps are on meltdown, the weather is going through dramatic change, wildlife is going extinct, and most people are acting as if nothing is wrong. The big news story should be the looming threat of human and life extinction on our planet. Instead the talking heads devote hours to political issues, the wars that rage on and on, the economic crisis and what popular starlet has been arrested for being in possession of some illicit narcotic.
It is no secret that our planet is overpopulated and that the human existence has taxed the Mother Earth’s ecological system to the limit. The air, land and our seas are polluted, the planet’s resources are almost used up, our glaciers and icecaps are on meltdown, the weather is going through dramatic change, wildlife is going extinct, and most people are acting as if nothing is wrong. The big news story should be the looming threat of human and life extinction on our planet. Instead the talking heads devote hours to political issues, the wars that rage on and on, the economic crisis and what popular starlet has been arrested for being in possession of some illicit narcotic.
Final Ninth Wave Of The Mayan Calendar
An ominous prophecy and a possible explanation for the extreme world chaos that has been occurring since about 2011, is being explained by astrologers and students of the Mayan calendar. They are joining a chorus of channelers, contemporary prophets and esoteric thinkers who believe the Earth is moving into a new phase of existence and that the change will have a major impact on humanity.
An ominous prophecy and a possible explanation for the extreme world chaos that has been occurring since about 2011, is being explained by astrologers and students of the Mayan calendar. They are joining a chorus of channelers, contemporary prophets and esoteric thinkers who believe the Earth is moving into a new phase of existence and that the change will have a major impact on humanity.
Flooded Epecuen Emerges After 25 Years
The once popular tourist town, Villa Epecuen, located on the eastern shore of Laguna Epecuen, Argentina, disappeared under 33 feet of water 25 years ago after torrential rains flooded Lake Epecuen and a seiche caused protective dyke surrounding the community to fail. The town’s estimated 1,500 inhabitants fled, most of them to nearby Carhue, where they rebuilt their homes and their lives. The flooding came on them so fast the people left most of their personal belongings behind. Now, because of changing world weather patterns, the lake water has been slowly receding and the remains of Epecuen have reappeared. It is a ruined ghost town, so eerie that it has again become a strange tourist attraction just the way it stands.
The once popular tourist town, Villa Epecuen, located on the eastern shore of Laguna Epecuen, Argentina, disappeared under 33 feet of water 25 years ago after torrential rains flooded Lake Epecuen and a seiche caused protective dyke surrounding the community to fail. The town’s estimated 1,500 inhabitants fled, most of them to nearby Carhue, where they rebuilt their homes and their lives. The flooding came on them so fast the people left most of their personal belongings behind. Now, because of changing world weather patterns, the lake water has been slowly receding and the remains of Epecuen have reappeared. It is a ruined ghost town, so eerie that it has again become a strange tourist attraction just the way it stands.
The Transition Has Begun
If you have been acutely aware of the events going on in the world and have had the wisdom to peer beyond the information fed to us by the television talking heads you know that this planet . . . this society . . .is experiencing changes unlike anything known in human history. The extreme weather; the great storms, heat waves, droughts and floods are becoming so dramatic the news anchors can’t avoid reporting about them. But there is a general unwillingness on the part of reporters, even the so-called professional "meteorologists" who spend their lives studying weather events, to tell us the truth.
If you have been acutely aware of the events going on in the world and have had the wisdom to peer beyond the information fed to us by the television talking heads you know that this planet . . . this society . . .is experiencing changes unlike anything known in human history. The extreme weather; the great storms, heat waves, droughts and floods are becoming so dramatic the news anchors can’t avoid reporting about them. But there is a general unwillingness on the part of reporters, even the so-called professional "meteorologists" who spend their lives studying weather events, to tell us the truth.
Extreme Weather May Be The New Normal
During my years working as a bureau reporter in Michigan, we experienced a severe storm that dumped 24 inches of rain on our area in about a week. It was a disaster for the rural farming area. Fields of crops were under water. Roads were flooded, bridges were washed out, streams overflowed their banks and basements were flooded. It was then considered a once in a lifetime storm. Now we are getting storms like this and worse all of the time.
During my years working as a bureau reporter in Michigan, we experienced a severe storm that dumped 24 inches of rain on our area in about a week. It was a disaster for the rural farming area. Fields of crops were under water. Roads were flooded, bridges were washed out, streams overflowed their banks and basements were flooded. It was then considered a once in a lifetime storm. Now we are getting storms like this and worse all of the time.
Finding Alternative Energy In Unexpected Places
Leave it to human ingenuity to solve the great energy issues when our backs are against the wall. Back yard inventors and a few skilled professionals are coming up with new concepts for heating, generating electricity and driving automobiles even as the world hurls toward climate change, peak oil demand, runaway gasoline prices and exorbitant home heating costs.
Leave it to human ingenuity to solve the great energy issues when our backs are against the wall. Back yard inventors and a few skilled professionals are coming up with new concepts for heating, generating electricity and driving automobiles even as the world hurls toward climate change, peak oil demand, runaway gasoline prices and exorbitant home heating costs.
Thule; A Mystery Place At The Northern Edge Of The World
As the story goes, a Greek explorer named Pytheas claimed in the Fourth Century BC to have discovered the most northerly land in the world and he named it Thule. The place was described as near a frozen ocean and home to people accustomed to seasons of eternal light and darkness. Author Joanna Kavenna, in her book The Ice Museum; In Search of the Lost Land of Thule, wrote that Thule was seen once, described in opaque prose, and never identified with any certainty again. "It became a mystery land, standing by a cold sea. A land at the edge of the maps." Note: The U.S. has had an airbase at Thule since the days of the Cold War.
As the story goes, a Greek explorer named Pytheas claimed in the Fourth Century BC to have discovered the most northerly land in the world and he named it Thule. The place was described as near a frozen ocean and home to people accustomed to seasons of eternal light and darkness. Author Joanna Kavenna, in her book The Ice Museum; In Search of the Lost Land of Thule, wrote that Thule was seen once, described in opaque prose, and never identified with any certainty again. "It became a mystery land, standing by a cold sea. A land at the edge of the maps." Note: The U.S. has had an airbase at Thule since the days of the Cold War.
Dealing With The Horrors Of Reality
What is there in the human thought process that causes us to ignore or declare disbelief in threats so terrible they obviously threaten our lives, our lifestyle and perhaps the extinction of us all? Notice how the debate over global warming, alias climate change, still goes on even as the world now suffers horrific storms, drought, summer heat and winter blizzards that not only compare to the worst weather events in history but break all records. We debate the reality of this problem even as the mountain glaciers and polar ice caps melt, and ocean water levels now threaten our coastal cities.
What is there in the human thought process that causes us to ignore or declare disbelief in threats so terrible they obviously threaten our lives, our lifestyle and perhaps the extinction of us all? Notice how the debate over global warming, alias climate change, still goes on even as the world now suffers horrific storms, drought, summer heat and winter blizzards that not only compare to the worst weather events in history but break all records. We debate the reality of this problem even as the mountain glaciers and polar ice caps melt, and ocean water levels now threaten our coastal cities.
Yellowstone Super Volcano In The Heartland
Many of us have had the privilege of visiting Yellowstone National Park, a vast wilderness in the mountains of Wyoming that offers lakes, rivers, geysers, hot bubbling springs, deep gorges, wild buffalo, moose, elk, bear and breathtaking scenery. Of all the national parks in the United States, Yellowstone is probably the most popular. And if geologists and other scientists are right, it may be among the most dangerous. That is because it rests about 125 feet directly over a hot bubbling cauldron of lava linked to what is believed to be one of the largest volcanoes in the world.
Many of us have had the privilege of visiting Yellowstone National Park, a vast wilderness in the mountains of Wyoming that offers lakes, rivers, geysers, hot bubbling springs, deep gorges, wild buffalo, moose, elk, bear and breathtaking scenery. Of all the national parks in the United States, Yellowstone is probably the most popular. And if geologists and other scientists are right, it may be among the most dangerous. That is because it rests about 125 feet directly over a hot bubbling cauldron of lava linked to what is believed to be one of the largest volcanoes in the world.
The Plastic Problem In World Oceans
The problem with plastic, at least until recently, is that it does not break down like other natural materials. It breaks into minute pieces but remains in its plastic state for thousands of years. And this has created a massive ecological problem that nobody expected to happen when it all began. The world’s oceans have become polluted, mostly from plastic debris. Researchers at the University of Cadiz, Spain, recently published the results of an alarming study that found microplastic particles in 88 percent of samples taken from ocean surfaces all over the world.
The problem with plastic, at least until recently, is that it does not break down like other natural materials. It breaks into minute pieces but remains in its plastic state for thousands of years. And this has created a massive ecological problem that nobody expected to happen when it all began. The world’s oceans have become polluted, mostly from plastic debris. Researchers at the University of Cadiz, Spain, recently published the results of an alarming study that found microplastic particles in 88 percent of samples taken from ocean surfaces all over the world.
Strange Legends Of The Great Salt Lake
The lake appears to be more than a mere "lake." Some have referred to it as a sea because of its massive size. Other than the Great Lakes, at 1,700 square miles it is the largest body of water to be found in North America. Unlike the fresh water of the Great Lakes, the Great Salt Lake is extremely salty; even saltier than the oceans. Early explorers believed it was in some way connected to the Pacific Ocean, but they were wrong. One might think that such a smelly and uninhabitable place would have no human history or legends. But you are very wrong. The stories about the Great Salt Lake and the people who have attempted to deal with it abound. Most appear to be just tall tales but then, who knows the truth?
The lake appears to be more than a mere "lake." Some have referred to it as a sea because of its massive size. Other than the Great Lakes, at 1,700 square miles it is the largest body of water to be found in North America. Unlike the fresh water of the Great Lakes, the Great Salt Lake is extremely salty; even saltier than the oceans. Early explorers believed it was in some way connected to the Pacific Ocean, but they were wrong. One might think that such a smelly and uninhabitable place would have no human history or legends. But you are very wrong. The stories about the Great Salt Lake and the people who have attempted to deal with it abound. Most appear to be just tall tales but then, who knows the truth?
Indonesia’s Deadly Mount Tambora
Of all the volcanos in the world, Mount Tambora, on the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia, is perhaps the most troublesome. It has been quiet since his historic eruption of April 10, 1815. But that particular blast was so loud it was heard more than 1,200 miles away, the ash created a volcanic winter across the Northern hemisphere, crops and livestock perished for lack of food, and between 71,000 and 92,000 people were killed.
Of all the volcanos in the world, Mount Tambora, on the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia, is perhaps the most troublesome. It has been quiet since his historic eruption of April 10, 1815. But that particular blast was so loud it was heard more than 1,200 miles away, the ash created a volcanic winter across the Northern hemisphere, crops and livestock perished for lack of food, and between 71,000 and 92,000 people were killed.
Equatorial Heat May Soon Spark Mass Exodus
There are perhaps billions of people living in what some researchers are perceiving as “climate change hotspots” where extreme periods of heat may soon prove to be too brutal to sustain life. This is the findings in a recent study by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany and the Cyprus Institute in Nicosia, Cyprus. This study, which examined only areas in the Middle East and Northern Africa, found that temperatures on the hottest days may soon be reaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and if something isn’t done to curb the trapped atmospheric gases soon, could be soaring over 120 degrees within the next decade. Click For More
There are perhaps billions of people living in what some researchers are perceiving as “climate change hotspots” where extreme periods of heat may soon prove to be too brutal to sustain life. This is the findings in a recent study by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany and the Cyprus Institute in Nicosia, Cyprus. This study, which examined only areas in the Middle East and Northern Africa, found that temperatures on the hottest days may soon be reaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and if something isn’t done to curb the trapped atmospheric gases soon, could be soaring over 120 degrees within the next decade. Click For More
Covering The Earth With Trees
It was about two decades ago that former UK Royal Air Force pilot Jack Walters envisioned using the C-130s, which were equipped to drop land mines, to do mass aerial plantings of trees instead. Walters published his idea in a paper while at the University of British Columbia, Canada. It took awhile but the idea was seriously explored by Lockheed Martin teaming up with Aerial Forestation Inc. of Newton, Massachusetts. They envisioned restoring a fleet of decommissioned C-130 Hercules cargo planes for use in deforesting the world.
It was about two decades ago that former UK Royal Air Force pilot Jack Walters envisioned using the C-130s, which were equipped to drop land mines, to do mass aerial plantings of trees instead. Walters published his idea in a paper while at the University of British Columbia, Canada. It took awhile but the idea was seriously explored by Lockheed Martin teaming up with Aerial Forestation Inc. of Newton, Massachusetts. They envisioned restoring a fleet of decommissioned C-130 Hercules cargo planes for use in deforesting the world.
What Can We Expect On The “New Earth?”
An essay titled “Earth Shifts” posted in 2009 by Kara Mooney looked at the many prophetic messages about a looming correction of the planet, just what it might involve and added speculation as to what it would mean for the human race. Indeed, there has been a world-wide spiritual awakening going on since the days of the hippie movement and LSD when Galt MacDermot’s great song “This Is The Dawning Of The Age Of Aquarius” broke out on the New York stage from the musical Hair. Since then spiritualists, visionaries, Bible scholars and people of all walks of the esoteric field have been telling of “messages” from the astral and from ancient text that warn of an amazing Earth change that is about to happen.
An essay titled “Earth Shifts” posted in 2009 by Kara Mooney looked at the many prophetic messages about a looming correction of the planet, just what it might involve and added speculation as to what it would mean for the human race. Indeed, there has been a world-wide spiritual awakening going on since the days of the hippie movement and LSD when Galt MacDermot’s great song “This Is The Dawning Of The Age Of Aquarius” broke out on the New York stage from the musical Hair. Since then spiritualists, visionaries, Bible scholars and people of all walks of the esoteric field have been telling of “messages” from the astral and from ancient text that warn of an amazing Earth change that is about to happen.
Sinkholes Starting To Get Scary
Not long ago we wrote about some unexplained sinkholes that just opened up, taking houses, cars and sometimes people deep into the earth without warning. There were various theories; some thought abandoned mines were the cause. Others wondered if something odd wasn’t occurring deep in the Earth. Since then the problem has not only been on the increase . . . some of the sinkholes are so large and so deep they are getting scary. a recent spate of huge, sudden-appearing caverns is prompting alarm because they're happening in places where they shouldn't, and now seem to be proliferating nationwide.
Not long ago we wrote about some unexplained sinkholes that just opened up, taking houses, cars and sometimes people deep into the earth without warning. There were various theories; some thought abandoned mines were the cause. Others wondered if something odd wasn’t occurring deep in the Earth. Since then the problem has not only been on the increase . . . some of the sinkholes are so large and so deep they are getting scary. a recent spate of huge, sudden-appearing caverns is prompting alarm because they're happening in places where they shouldn't, and now seem to be proliferating nationwide.
The Great PCB Assault That Won’t Go Away
The dangers of PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, were known as early as 1929, about 50 years after they were first used in manufacturing goods for public use. Unfortunately it wasn’t until 1977 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the manufacture of this stuff in the United States. In the meantime, PCBs, used in the manufacture of inks, dyes, paints, adhesives, carbonless papers, lubricants, flame retardants, surface coatings and sealants, and industrial fluids, got spread everywhere and contaminated our world. Click For Full Report
The dangers of PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, were known as early as 1929, about 50 years after they were first used in manufacturing goods for public use. Unfortunately it wasn’t until 1977 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the manufacture of this stuff in the United States. In the meantime, PCBs, used in the manufacture of inks, dyes, paints, adhesives, carbonless papers, lubricants, flame retardants, surface coatings and sealants, and industrial fluids, got spread everywhere and contaminated our world. Click For Full Report
Plants Are Aware And Communicate
James Westwood, a professor in plant pathology, physiology and weeds at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, claims that plants communicate with each other and even share genetic information. Westwood published his findings in the journal Science. Somehow it is not news to people who love and grow plants, and to many home gardeners, although the extent of communication, apparently using a special language known only to the plant kingdom, might be of great interest.
James Westwood, a professor in plant pathology, physiology and weeds at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, claims that plants communicate with each other and even share genetic information. Westwood published his findings in the journal Science. Somehow it is not news to people who love and grow plants, and to many home gardeners, although the extent of communication, apparently using a special language known only to the plant kingdom, might be of great interest.
World In Self-Destruct; The Signs Are In Front Of Our Nose
While watching the nightly news hour on our local television channel this week I was struck by the bombardment of signs that our world has gone daft. In more than 50 years of observing and writing about world events, this writer cannot recall a time when world-wide weather was striking with such destructive force over so wide an area and with such regularity.
While watching the nightly news hour on our local television channel this week I was struck by the bombardment of signs that our world has gone daft. In more than 50 years of observing and writing about world events, this writer cannot recall a time when world-wide weather was striking with such destructive force over so wide an area and with such regularity.
Beef Eaters A Major Threat To The Earth
Statistics show that the cost of raising cows to produce meat as a food commodity is so high that it is non-productive when it comes to feeding the hungry people on this planet. A recent news clipping not only gives the statistics that bear this out, but explains how cattle ranches that produce meat also are generating deadly greenhouse gas. Cows pass methane gas. Thousands of cows packed in one feed lot generate a lot of methane.
Statistics show that the cost of raising cows to produce meat as a food commodity is so high that it is non-productive when it comes to feeding the hungry people on this planet. A recent news clipping not only gives the statistics that bear this out, but explains how cattle ranches that produce meat also are generating deadly greenhouse gas. Cows pass methane gas. Thousands of cows packed in one feed lot generate a lot of methane.
Are We In The Sixth Mass Extinction?
I think I first began to be aware that something was going wrong with the environment when I met a university science professor and researcher who kept a cottage at Port Sanilac, Michigan, in the late 1970s. This man talked about his concern about the growing acidity found in rain. He said it was a sign of an unbalanced atmosphere caused by a buildup of carbon emissions. He was warning even then that something needed to be done to stop what was happening before it led to serious trouble like global warming and all the problems that it would cause. Since then, acid rain has become the least of our worries.
I think I first began to be aware that something was going wrong with the environment when I met a university science professor and researcher who kept a cottage at Port Sanilac, Michigan, in the late 1970s. This man talked about his concern about the growing acidity found in rain. He said it was a sign of an unbalanced atmosphere caused by a buildup of carbon emissions. He was warning even then that something needed to be done to stop what was happening before it led to serious trouble like global warming and all the problems that it would cause. Since then, acid rain has become the least of our worries.
Artificially Cooling Our Planet
Some people believe those strange contrails that crisscross our skies are more than just jet engine exhaust clouds, but rather deliberate sprays of metallic materials like boron and aluminum designed to reflect the solar heat and cool down our overheated planet. Indeed, while politicians sold out to big business interests and the uninformed followers of Fox Noise may still belittle the concept of global warming and climate change, and poke insults at former Vice President Al Gore for his efforts to make people aware of the dangers of runaway air pollution from industrial carbon emissions, scientists and even top figures in our military understand that the issue is real and getting worse by the month.
Some people believe those strange contrails that crisscross our skies are more than just jet engine exhaust clouds, but rather deliberate sprays of metallic materials like boron and aluminum designed to reflect the solar heat and cool down our overheated planet. Indeed, while politicians sold out to big business interests and the uninformed followers of Fox Noise may still belittle the concept of global warming and climate change, and poke insults at former Vice President Al Gore for his efforts to make people aware of the dangers of runaway air pollution from industrial carbon emissions, scientists and even top figures in our military understand that the issue is real and getting worse by the month.
That Canary Island Time Bomb
Eruptions of Cumbre Vieja, an active volcano on La Palma Island off the coast of Spain has volcanologists and other researchers worried about how future eruptions will affect the nations surrounding the Atlantic coast. That is because too much shaking in the Canary Islands area has the potential of launching one catastrophic mega tsunami that will sweep the entire Atlantic basin. Scientists warn that this kind of disaster is poised to really happen because of a large part of Cumbre Vieja that has cracked and is slipping steadily toward a spectacular plunge into the sea.
Eruptions of Cumbre Vieja, an active volcano on La Palma Island off the coast of Spain has volcanologists and other researchers worried about how future eruptions will affect the nations surrounding the Atlantic coast. That is because too much shaking in the Canary Islands area has the potential of launching one catastrophic mega tsunami that will sweep the entire Atlantic basin. Scientists warn that this kind of disaster is poised to really happen because of a large part of Cumbre Vieja that has cracked and is slipping steadily toward a spectacular plunge into the sea.
The Insanity Of Fracking
Drilling companies have been fracturing oil wells almost since the first wells were drilled in the mid-1800s. In those days they used dynamite or nitroglycerine dropped in shallow, hard rock oil wells to crack the rock and stimulate the flow of crude oil and natural gas. The new practice of fracking, however, is not good for the environment, and it is destroying what is left of America’s precious fresh water supply. That is because fracking involves the pumping of millions of gallons of water mixed with chemicals and sand, at high pressure, to break up rocks and release hydrocarbons. Not only is it sucking up precious fresh water, but there appears to be a link between fracking and earthquakes that are occurring in areas where fracking has been going on. The process also produces toxic gases that are released in the air, and there is extreme ground pollution. Among these gasses is methane, blamed among the causes of global warming.
Drilling companies have been fracturing oil wells almost since the first wells were drilled in the mid-1800s. In those days they used dynamite or nitroglycerine dropped in shallow, hard rock oil wells to crack the rock and stimulate the flow of crude oil and natural gas. The new practice of fracking, however, is not good for the environment, and it is destroying what is left of America’s precious fresh water supply. That is because fracking involves the pumping of millions of gallons of water mixed with chemicals and sand, at high pressure, to break up rocks and release hydrocarbons. Not only is it sucking up precious fresh water, but there appears to be a link between fracking and earthquakes that are occurring in areas where fracking has been going on. The process also produces toxic gases that are released in the air, and there is extreme ground pollution. Among these gasses is methane, blamed among the causes of global warming.
The Smart Analytical Thinking Of Crows
A study titled "Crows Spontaneously Exhibit Analogical Reasoning" published in Current Biology expresses surprise by Russian and American researchers involved in a cooperative testing of crows. The research done at the Biology Department for Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia, with support by Psychology Professor Ed Wasserman at the University of Iowa, noted that in a controlled study, where crows were rewarded with food by choosing the correct card, the birds always picked the right card without advanced training. Prior to this study, researchers believed that only humans and apes were capable of achieving this degree of intelligence, and the apes required training before they could pick the correct card.
A study titled "Crows Spontaneously Exhibit Analogical Reasoning" published in Current Biology expresses surprise by Russian and American researchers involved in a cooperative testing of crows. The research done at the Biology Department for Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia, with support by Psychology Professor Ed Wasserman at the University of Iowa, noted that in a controlled study, where crows were rewarded with food by choosing the correct card, the birds always picked the right card without advanced training. Prior to this study, researchers believed that only humans and apes were capable of achieving this degree of intelligence, and the apes required training before they could pick the correct card.
Will Machines Someday Rule?
There is something interesting occurring in our contemporary world. The human race is recklessly polluting the air, water and land and using up the planet’s natural resources so completely that it appears we are heading for an early extinction. While this is going on, the development of intelligent robotic machines is reaching a point where the machines are beginning to think for themselves. Of course this leads to an interesting idea. Is it possible that once robots learn to reason and replace broken parts, repair each other and even build new and better replicas of themselves that they will continue on to rule this planet long after it is dead?
There is something interesting occurring in our contemporary world. The human race is recklessly polluting the air, water and land and using up the planet’s natural resources so completely that it appears we are heading for an early extinction. While this is going on, the development of intelligent robotic machines is reaching a point where the machines are beginning to think for themselves. Of course this leads to an interesting idea. Is it possible that once robots learn to reason and replace broken parts, repair each other and even build new and better replicas of themselves that they will continue on to rule this planet long after it is dead?
Deadly New Pathogens Before COVID
The COVID and now the Omicron pathogens have brought humanity to its knees since they began to appear two years ago. But deadly new mystery diseases have been sweeping the planet for a few years earlier. And researchers say we can expect more to come after this. West Nile Virus has been sweeping the world via the tiny mosquito. And we know all about the threat of the Mad Cow prion in our meat. And the sudden spread of hoof and mouth disease not only among cattle, but also zoo animals and the wild deer herds. We even hear stories about people catching hoof and mouth disease, although for us it is not a fatal illness. The dreaded E.bola virus keeps cropping up in the jungles of Africa where medical teams are still tracking its source. This is a real horror of a bug because the people who get it literally bleed to death. They go down with blood even flowing from their eyes. E.bola also cropped lately in Pakistan and at least one case in the United States.
The COVID and now the Omicron pathogens have brought humanity to its knees since they began to appear two years ago. But deadly new mystery diseases have been sweeping the planet for a few years earlier. And researchers say we can expect more to come after this. West Nile Virus has been sweeping the world via the tiny mosquito. And we know all about the threat of the Mad Cow prion in our meat. And the sudden spread of hoof and mouth disease not only among cattle, but also zoo animals and the wild deer herds. We even hear stories about people catching hoof and mouth disease, although for us it is not a fatal illness. The dreaded E.bola virus keeps cropping up in the jungles of Africa where medical teams are still tracking its source. This is a real horror of a bug because the people who get it literally bleed to death. They go down with blood even flowing from their eyes. E.bola also cropped lately in Pakistan and at least one case in the United States.
Why Are They Rebuilding New Orleans?
The City of New Orleans has been actively rebuilding the place since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and numerous storms that have ravaged the Louisiana coast ever since. But is the restoration of that historic city worth the effort or a waste of money? New Orleans has been a national treasure. It is a very old city, filled with the ghosts of the past. It was the home of the great jazz bands, the Marti Gras, and all of the colorful stories linked to the birth of the nation. But New Orleans has been a city in trouble for a long time. Built on a river delta, the community was originally safe from hurricanes because of the miles of natural marshland surrounding it. Over the years, as the city grew, and channels were dug to allow larger and larger ships to enter and leave that port, things changed.
The City of New Orleans has been actively rebuilding the place since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and numerous storms that have ravaged the Louisiana coast ever since. But is the restoration of that historic city worth the effort or a waste of money? New Orleans has been a national treasure. It is a very old city, filled with the ghosts of the past. It was the home of the great jazz bands, the Marti Gras, and all of the colorful stories linked to the birth of the nation. But New Orleans has been a city in trouble for a long time. Built on a river delta, the community was originally safe from hurricanes because of the miles of natural marshland surrounding it. Over the years, as the city grew, and channels were dug to allow larger and larger ships to enter and leave that port, things changed.
Spiritual Significance Of The Winter Solstice
Tuesday, December 21 was the Winter Solstice. It marks the official start of the winter season for people living in the northern hemisphere. It is the longest day of the year, or Summer Solstice for people living in the southern hemisphere. That is because this is the day the Earth reaches its farthest tilt on its axis, and if all goes as it has for as long as humans have recorded history, it has started tilting back the other way since December 24.
Tuesday, December 21 was the Winter Solstice. It marks the official start of the winter season for people living in the northern hemisphere. It is the longest day of the year, or Summer Solstice for people living in the southern hemisphere. That is because this is the day the Earth reaches its farthest tilt on its axis, and if all goes as it has for as long as humans have recorded history, it has started tilting back the other way since December 24.
Mother Earth Is Rumbling – What Is Happening?
Americans have been so caught up in the election news there has been little attention paid by the media to a series of ominous earthquakes and volcanic events occurring along the deadly “Ring of Fire” from Indonesia north to Russia, at Iceland on the northern end of the Atlantic Ocean, in North America from Alaska south along the West U.S. coast to Chile and Africa. Major quakes are occurring off the Alaskan coast and south to North Central Chile, and on the Northern coast of Japan. The larger quakes are measuring 8 points or higher, with the most powerful rumble occurring at Valdivia, Chile in 1960 measuring 9.5.
Americans have been so caught up in the election news there has been little attention paid by the media to a series of ominous earthquakes and volcanic events occurring along the deadly “Ring of Fire” from Indonesia north to Russia, at Iceland on the northern end of the Atlantic Ocean, in North America from Alaska south along the West U.S. coast to Chile and Africa. Major quakes are occurring off the Alaskan coast and south to North Central Chile, and on the Northern coast of Japan. The larger quakes are measuring 8 points or higher, with the most powerful rumble occurring at Valdivia, Chile in 1960 measuring 9.5.
The Horrors Of Climate Change
Extreme heat with record setting temperatures soaring at over 100 degrees Fahrenheit along the eastern coast and mid-section of the United States and throughout Europe, the influx of the tropical mosquito borne disease dungy fever in Florida, severe storms bearing tornadoes marching across America’s Midwest, and flash floods all over the world. Like it or not, global warming – alias climate change is upon us. We have seen all of this in past years, but never all of it at the same time. Can anyone still deny that global warming/climate change is not something we should be concerned about? Can there be any real scientists willing to stand up and publicly scoff at the fact that the temperature of Planet Earth has been rising steadily since 1970.
Extreme heat with record setting temperatures soaring at over 100 degrees Fahrenheit along the eastern coast and mid-section of the United States and throughout Europe, the influx of the tropical mosquito borne disease dungy fever in Florida, severe storms bearing tornadoes marching across America’s Midwest, and flash floods all over the world. Like it or not, global warming – alias climate change is upon us. We have seen all of this in past years, but never all of it at the same time. Can anyone still deny that global warming/climate change is not something we should be concerned about? Can there be any real scientists willing to stand up and publicly scoff at the fact that the temperature of Planet Earth has been rising steadily since 1970.
Sprat Issue – Weather
A few years ago we used the Godlike Production list of issues presented by a person identified as Jack Sprat to examine major problems facing the world. The first word at the top of the list is the thing that is on nearly everyone’s mind, everywhere, even then: Weather. Indeed, the weather all over the world has gone into extreme abnormal mode. This was a problem even before most people recognized it as a threatening issue. Weather forecasters are no longer attempting to avoid references to global warming as the cause of what they began calling weather change. Today the only argument remaining is whether the heating is a natural phenomenon or whether it has been caused by the burning of carbon fuels.
A few years ago we used the Godlike Production list of issues presented by a person identified as Jack Sprat to examine major problems facing the world. The first word at the top of the list is the thing that is on nearly everyone’s mind, everywhere, even then: Weather. Indeed, the weather all over the world has gone into extreme abnormal mode. This was a problem even before most people recognized it as a threatening issue. Weather forecasters are no longer attempting to avoid references to global warming as the cause of what they began calling weather change. Today the only argument remaining is whether the heating is a natural phenomenon or whether it has been caused by the burning of carbon fuels.
Running Out Of Good Air To Breathe
If you have any sense of the world around you, there must be an awareness that something isn’t quite right about the air we are breathing. More and more people are suffering with lung diseases like asthma and emphysema, and even those of us who think we are healthy, are beginning to have trouble getting enough air when we are outside working hard or exercising. The great forest fires burning all over the world this season are only intensifying the problem but we were of it long before the smoke.
If you have any sense of the world around you, there must be an awareness that something isn’t quite right about the air we are breathing. More and more people are suffering with lung diseases like asthma and emphysema, and even those of us who think we are healthy, are beginning to have trouble getting enough air when we are outside working hard or exercising. The great forest fires burning all over the world this season are only intensifying the problem but we were of it long before the smoke.
World In Self-Destruct; The Signs Are In Front Of Our Nose
In more than 50 years of observing and writing about world events, this writer cannot recall a time when world-wide weather was striking with such destructive force over so wide an area and with such regularity. I remember heat waves, when the thermometer topped 100 degrees and things got really uncomfortable for a day or two. I recall one summer when it rained nearly every day. Fields were flooded. There was what we remember as the Flint Tornado of May 12, 1956. That storm was probably the most frightening weather events of my memory. Those were the extremes. They happened, but they were rare enough that they became milestones in our lives. They were events that all of us who lived through them could talk about for years afterward. Now storms and weather events of that magnitude seem to be occurring every week.
In more than 50 years of observing and writing about world events, this writer cannot recall a time when world-wide weather was striking with such destructive force over so wide an area and with such regularity. I remember heat waves, when the thermometer topped 100 degrees and things got really uncomfortable for a day or two. I recall one summer when it rained nearly every day. Fields were flooded. There was what we remember as the Flint Tornado of May 12, 1956. That storm was probably the most frightening weather events of my memory. Those were the extremes. They happened, but they were rare enough that they became milestones in our lives. They were events that all of us who lived through them could talk about for years afterward. Now storms and weather events of that magnitude seem to be occurring every week.
Are We In The Sixth Mass Extinction?
I think I first began to be aware that something was going wrong with the environment when I met a university science professor and researcher who kept a cottage at Port Sanilac, Michigan, in the late 1970s. This man talked about his concern about the growing acidity found in rain. He said it was a sign of an unbalanced atmosphere caused by a buildup of carbon emissions. He was warning even then that something needed to be done to stop what was happening before it led to serious trouble like global warming and all the problems that it would cause. I wrote a story about this man’s warnings for my newspaper. While I respected his knowledge, I had a problem in those days getting too alarmed by what he was telling me. Since then, acid rain has become the least of our worries.
I think I first began to be aware that something was going wrong with the environment when I met a university science professor and researcher who kept a cottage at Port Sanilac, Michigan, in the late 1970s. This man talked about his concern about the growing acidity found in rain. He said it was a sign of an unbalanced atmosphere caused by a buildup of carbon emissions. He was warning even then that something needed to be done to stop what was happening before it led to serious trouble like global warming and all the problems that it would cause. I wrote a story about this man’s warnings for my newspaper. While I respected his knowledge, I had a problem in those days getting too alarmed by what he was telling me. Since then, acid rain has become the least of our worries.
What Can We Expect On The “New Earth?”
An essay titled “Earth Shifts” posted in 2009 by Kara Mooney looked at the many prophetic messages about a looming correction of the planet, just what it might involve and added speculation as to what it would mean for the human race. Indeed, there has been a world-wide spiritual awakening going on since the days of the hippie movement and LSD when Galt MacDermot’s great song “This Is The Dawning Of The Age Of Aquarius” broke out on the New York stage from the musical Hair. Since then spiritualists, visionaries, Bible scholars and people of all walks of the esoteric field have been telling of “messages” from the astral and from ancient text that warn of an amazing Earth change that is about to happen. And then there is that Bible story . . .
An essay titled “Earth Shifts” posted in 2009 by Kara Mooney looked at the many prophetic messages about a looming correction of the planet, just what it might involve and added speculation as to what it would mean for the human race. Indeed, there has been a world-wide spiritual awakening going on since the days of the hippie movement and LSD when Galt MacDermot’s great song “This Is The Dawning Of The Age Of Aquarius” broke out on the New York stage from the musical Hair. Since then spiritualists, visionaries, Bible scholars and people of all walks of the esoteric field have been telling of “messages” from the astral and from ancient text that warn of an amazing Earth change that is about to happen. And then there is that Bible story . . .
The Insanity of Fracking
Drilling companies have been fracturing oil wells almost since the first wells were drilled in the mid-1800s. In those days they used dynamite or nitroglycerin dropped in shallow, hard rock oil wells to crack the rock and stimulate the flow of crude oil and natural gas. It also was found to be a great way of waking up tired old wells where the pumps were no longer pulling much oil to the surface. This new practice of fracking, however, is not good for the environment, and it is destroying what is left of America’s precious fresh water supply. That is because fracking involves the pumping of millions of gallons of water mixed with chemicals and sand, at high pressure, to break up rocks and release hydrocarbons.
Drilling companies have been fracturing oil wells almost since the first wells were drilled in the mid-1800s. In those days they used dynamite or nitroglycerin dropped in shallow, hard rock oil wells to crack the rock and stimulate the flow of crude oil and natural gas. It also was found to be a great way of waking up tired old wells where the pumps were no longer pulling much oil to the surface. This new practice of fracking, however, is not good for the environment, and it is destroying what is left of America’s precious fresh water supply. That is because fracking involves the pumping of millions of gallons of water mixed with chemicals and sand, at high pressure, to break up rocks and release hydrocarbons.
Yes – Plants Are Aware And Communicate
James Westwood, a professor in plant pathology, physiology and weeds at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, has discovered that plants communicate with each other and even share genetic information. Westwood published his findings in the journal Science. Somehow his discovery is not news to people who love and grow plants, and to many home gardeners, although the extent of communication, apparently using a special language known only to the plant kingdom, might be of great interest.
James Westwood, a professor in plant pathology, physiology and weeds at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, has discovered that plants communicate with each other and even share genetic information. Westwood published his findings in the journal Science. Somehow his discovery is not news to people who love and grow plants, and to many home gardeners, although the extent of communication, apparently using a special language known only to the plant kingdom, might be of great interest.
Finding Alternative Energy In Unexpected Places
Leave it to human ingenuity to solve the great energy issues when our backs are against the wall. Back yard inventors and a few skilled professionals are coming up with new concepts for heating, generating electricity and driving automobiles even as the world hurls toward climate change, peak oil demand, runaway gasoline prices and exorbitant home heating costs. We know about wind, water and solar power alternative sources of “renewable energy. From an Internet blog site called EcoGeek we found a few other interesting sources.
Leave it to human ingenuity to solve the great energy issues when our backs are against the wall. Back yard inventors and a few skilled professionals are coming up with new concepts for heating, generating electricity and driving automobiles even as the world hurls toward climate change, peak oil demand, runaway gasoline prices and exorbitant home heating costs. We know about wind, water and solar power alternative sources of “renewable energy. From an Internet blog site called EcoGeek we found a few other interesting sources.
Even Organic Honey Is Probably Toxic
Health conscious folks like to substitute honey for sugar or artificial sweeteners when baking. The general thinking is that pure honey is a natural sweet ingredient that can be safely enjoyed without the problem of toxic chemical additives. But researchers have discovered an overlooked problem here. It seems that even on organic farms, and when bee keepers are being ultra-careful to assure the purity of the honey their bees are producing, nobody can restrict the bees from buzzing on over to the nearby farms where GMO crops are being grown.
Health conscious folks like to substitute honey for sugar or artificial sweeteners when baking. The general thinking is that pure honey is a natural sweet ingredient that can be safely enjoyed without the problem of toxic chemical additives. But researchers have discovered an overlooked problem here. It seems that even on organic farms, and when bee keepers are being ultra-careful to assure the purity of the honey their bees are producing, nobody can restrict the bees from buzzing on over to the nearby farms where GMO crops are being grown.
Marquette Mining Operation
The Insanity Of Destroying Our Fresh Water
My wife and I chose to buy our retirement home on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula because it was surrounded by fresh water. The peninsula juts north out into Lake Superior. Not many miles to our south was Lake Michigan. And to the east is Lake Huron. There was method in our madness. While we were ravaged by the winter storms that swept our area, and we were dependent on the trucking of much of our food from warmer climates, we were enjoying some of the best and purist fresh water left anywhere in the world. But all that changed in front of our noses.
My wife and I chose to buy our retirement home on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula because it was surrounded by fresh water. The peninsula juts north out into Lake Superior. Not many miles to our south was Lake Michigan. And to the east is Lake Huron. There was method in our madness. While we were ravaged by the winter storms that swept our area, and we were dependent on the trucking of much of our food from warmer climates, we were enjoying some of the best and purist fresh water left anywhere in the world. But all that changed in front of our noses.
Solving the Kalachi Sleeping Sickness
The residents of Kalachi, a small town in Kazakhstan near the Russian border, were contending with a strange sleeping sickness that also stole their memories. First occurring in about 2012, the disease lasted for three years before researchers determined its source. It was discovered that a noxious gas was seeping from an abandoned uranium mine under the town that was poisoning the people.
The residents of Kalachi, a small town in Kazakhstan near the Russian border, were contending with a strange sleeping sickness that also stole their memories. First occurring in about 2012, the disease lasted for three years before researchers determined its source. It was discovered that a noxious gas was seeping from an abandoned uranium mine under the town that was poisoning the people.
Reality: Are We Existing In Pods?
Some years ago I became acquainted with a man who claimed to have been involved with a secret black ops military program and subsequently had access to shocking information concerning our world and the so-called "reality" perceived by humanity. Etched deep in this man’s mind was a photograph he said he saw of time-worn and broken faces of the presidents carved on Mount Rushmore. The wooden platforms and walkways leading up the side of the mountain were burned away. The sky overhead was a hot red color. What the man discovered from studying the photograph, and from the other information he obtained, was that humanity today is existing in pods, our minds plugged into a matrix that makes us believe that all is well. But he said all is not well. The pods, which are placed deep in caves under the earth, on the moon, and on various other places in our solar system, are heating up because the sun has gone into its last stage and is becoming a red giant.
Some years ago I became acquainted with a man who claimed to have been involved with a secret black ops military program and subsequently had access to shocking information concerning our world and the so-called "reality" perceived by humanity. Etched deep in this man’s mind was a photograph he said he saw of time-worn and broken faces of the presidents carved on Mount Rushmore. The wooden platforms and walkways leading up the side of the mountain were burned away. The sky overhead was a hot red color. What the man discovered from studying the photograph, and from the other information he obtained, was that humanity today is existing in pods, our minds plugged into a matrix that makes us believe that all is well. But he said all is not well. The pods, which are placed deep in caves under the earth, on the moon, and on various other places in our solar system, are heating up because the sun has gone into its last stage and is becoming a red giant.
Industrial Mercury Is Falling Out Of The Sky
Toxic levels of mercury are now being found in the rain and snow that falls out of our skies, scientists warn. It is affecting the health of all living creatures. The National Wildlife Federation reported in 2003 that rain falling in over 12 eastern states was found to contain mercury levels that exceed federal safe standards for people and animals. The problem may be even more severe now. The mercury contamination is found primarily in one major food source . . . fish. Much of it was noticed first in fresh water species, but more recently the high mercury contamination also is being found in certain sea foods, especially the shell fish and tuna.
Toxic levels of mercury are now being found in the rain and snow that falls out of our skies, scientists warn. It is affecting the health of all living creatures. The National Wildlife Federation reported in 2003 that rain falling in over 12 eastern states was found to contain mercury levels that exceed federal safe standards for people and animals. The problem may be even more severe now. The mercury contamination is found primarily in one major food source . . . fish. Much of it was noticed first in fresh water species, but more recently the high mercury contamination also is being found in certain sea foods, especially the shell fish and tuna.
Strange Legends Of The Great Salt Lake
When driving I-70 across Utah you pass first the Salt Flats, a massive expanse of flat barren white landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. Then you pass the Great Salt Lake which also appears to be a dead and decaying sea. You may choose to roll the vehicle windows up even in the heat of the day because of the noxious stench. The lake appears to be more than a mere "lake." Some have referred to it as a sea because of its massive size. Other than the Great Lakes, at 1,700 square miles it is the largest body of water to be found in North America. Historians tell us, however that Salt Lake has been shrinking in size in recent years. Unlike the fresh water of the Great Lakes, the Great Salt Lake is extremely salty; even saltier than the oceans. Early explorers believed it was in some way connected to the Pacific Ocean, but they were wrong.
When driving I-70 across Utah you pass first the Salt Flats, a massive expanse of flat barren white landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. Then you pass the Great Salt Lake which also appears to be a dead and decaying sea. You may choose to roll the vehicle windows up even in the heat of the day because of the noxious stench. The lake appears to be more than a mere "lake." Some have referred to it as a sea because of its massive size. Other than the Great Lakes, at 1,700 square miles it is the largest body of water to be found in North America. Historians tell us, however that Salt Lake has been shrinking in size in recent years. Unlike the fresh water of the Great Lakes, the Great Salt Lake is extremely salty; even saltier than the oceans. Early explorers believed it was in some way connected to the Pacific Ocean, but they were wrong.
World In Self-Destruct; The Signs Are In Front Of Our Nose
While watching the nightly news hour on our local television channel this week I was struck by the bombardment of signs that our world has gone daft. In more than 60 years of observing and writing about world events, this writer cannot recall a time when world-wide weather was striking with such destructive force over so wide an area and with such regularity. I remember heat waves, when the thermometer topped 100 degrees and things got really uncomfortable for a day or two. It might happen once or twice in a summer and we just spent the day drinking lots of water, swallowing salt tablets, and staying in the shade as much as possible.
While watching the nightly news hour on our local television channel this week I was struck by the bombardment of signs that our world has gone daft. In more than 60 years of observing and writing about world events, this writer cannot recall a time when world-wide weather was striking with such destructive force over so wide an area and with such regularity. I remember heat waves, when the thermometer topped 100 degrees and things got really uncomfortable for a day or two. It might happen once or twice in a summer and we just spent the day drinking lots of water, swallowing salt tablets, and staying in the shade as much as possible.
Are We In The Sixth Mass Extinction?
I think I first began to be aware that something was going wrong with the environment when I met a university science professor and researcher who kept a cottage at Port Sanilac, Michigan, in the late 1970s. This man talked about his concern about the growing acidity found in rain. He said it was a sign of an unbalanced atmosphere caused by a buildup of carbon emissions. He was warning even then that something needed to be done to stop what was happening before it led to serious trouble like global warming and all the problems that it would cause. I wrote a story about this man’s warnings for my newspaper. While I respected his knowledge, I had a problem in those days getting too alarmed by what he was telling me. Since then, acid rain has become the least of our worries.
I think I first began to be aware that something was going wrong with the environment when I met a university science professor and researcher who kept a cottage at Port Sanilac, Michigan, in the late 1970s. This man talked about his concern about the growing acidity found in rain. He said it was a sign of an unbalanced atmosphere caused by a buildup of carbon emissions. He was warning even then that something needed to be done to stop what was happening before it led to serious trouble like global warming and all the problems that it would cause. I wrote a story about this man’s warnings for my newspaper. While I respected his knowledge, I had a problem in those days getting too alarmed by what he was telling me. Since then, acid rain has become the least of our worries.
The Other Issue: World Drought
While great storms, heat and forest fires are making the headlines, it has been no secret that the world has also been suffering a major drought. Crops are dying. Cattle have no feed. In the United States the newspapers have compared it to the great Dust Bowl days of the 1930s. The rash of great forest fires in the Western states this season is a direct result of the extreme dryness.
While great storms, heat and forest fires are making the headlines, it has been no secret that the world has also been suffering a major drought. Crops are dying. Cattle have no feed. In the United States the newspapers have compared it to the great Dust Bowl days of the 1930s. The rash of great forest fires in the Western states this season is a direct result of the extreme dryness.
Was A Synthetic Plaque Created?
A series of disturbing reports by Michael Edward on the web site World Vision Portal a few years ago, linked chemicals and other compounds secretly used by British Petroleum in the oil dispersant called Corexit at the site of the company’s disastrous oil spill and a strange “Blue Flu” that broke out among people living along the Gulf Coast. Was this a prelude to the COVID virus now spreading throughout the world?
A series of disturbing reports by Michael Edward on the web site World Vision Portal a few years ago, linked chemicals and other compounds secretly used by British Petroleum in the oil dispersant called Corexit at the site of the company’s disastrous oil spill and a strange “Blue Flu” that broke out among people living along the Gulf Coast. Was this a prelude to the COVID virus now spreading throughout the world?
Using Nanotechnology to Make Sun Power Affordable
About 13 years ago the use of silicon chips to build costly solar panels that capture solar energy appeared to be over. That was because Nanosolar, a rising new star from California's Silicon Valley was emerging in 2007 with a new technology called PowerSheet solar cells. Backed by a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and Google's founders, Nanosolar began production of its new product that cut the cost of purchasing and installing solar panels on homes, office buildings for heating and producing electric power. It looked like a sure thing as America began shifting to renewable energy sources in the world effort to combat global warming. But big business interests had other plans and Nanosolar was out of business after only about six years of production. Technically that should never have happened.
About 13 years ago the use of silicon chips to build costly solar panels that capture solar energy appeared to be over. That was because Nanosolar, a rising new star from California's Silicon Valley was emerging in 2007 with a new technology called PowerSheet solar cells. Backed by a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and Google's founders, Nanosolar began production of its new product that cut the cost of purchasing and installing solar panels on homes, office buildings for heating and producing electric power. It looked like a sure thing as America began shifting to renewable energy sources in the world effort to combat global warming. But big business interests had other plans and Nanosolar was out of business after only about six years of production. Technically that should never have happened.
Factory Farming Creating Deadly Food
I grew up in a farming area of Michigan during a time, not that long ago, when family owned and operated farms were doing a great job of providing all of the food needed in the United States and shipping the excess to other world countries. Food then was cheap and plentiful. The farmers worked hard and went through years when they made good money and survived the years when they lost money. To cover the potential losses of crops they diversified what they grew, and maintained small dairy herds. The milk they sold usually carried them over in the years when crops failed or grain prices dipped. That old way of life changed after I returned to the area a few years later as a newspaper reporter. Farming by then was shifting to a more sophisticated system. Behold: it was the birth of the factory farms.
I grew up in a farming area of Michigan during a time, not that long ago, when family owned and operated farms were doing a great job of providing all of the food needed in the United States and shipping the excess to other world countries. Food then was cheap and plentiful. The farmers worked hard and went through years when they made good money and survived the years when they lost money. To cover the potential losses of crops they diversified what they grew, and maintained small dairy herds. The milk they sold usually carried them over in the years when crops failed or grain prices dipped. That old way of life changed after I returned to the area a few years later as a newspaper reporter. Farming by then was shifting to a more sophisticated system. Behold: it was the birth of the factory farms.
Yellowstone – Super Volcano In The Heartland
Many of us have had the privilege of visiting Yellowstone National Park, a vast wilderness in the mountains of Wyoming that offers lakes, rivers, geysers, hot bubbling springs, deep gorges, wild buffalo, moose, elk, bear and breathtaking scenery. Of all the national parks in the United States, Yellowstone is probably the most popular. And if geologists and other scientists are right, it may be among the most dangerous. That is because it rests about 125 feet directly over a hot bubbling cauldron of lava linked to what is believed to be one of the largest volcanoes in the world.
Many of us have had the privilege of visiting Yellowstone National Park, a vast wilderness in the mountains of Wyoming that offers lakes, rivers, geysers, hot bubbling springs, deep gorges, wild buffalo, moose, elk, bear and breathtaking scenery. Of all the national parks in the United States, Yellowstone is probably the most popular. And if geologists and other scientists are right, it may be among the most dangerous. That is because it rests about 125 feet directly over a hot bubbling cauldron of lava linked to what is believed to be one of the largest volcanoes in the world.
Are Vapor Trails Affecting Weather Change?
There is little doubt left in anybody’s mind these days that the world’s weather is changing drastically. And a buildup of carbon dioxide and methane gas emissions is getting blamed. But could the real culprit be something going on right over our heads . . . those ubiquitous vapor trails constantly appearing across the sky? It appears that the trails are being deliberately sprayed to create artificial clouds of metallic substances that reflect sunlight, thereby reducing solar heating. Some believe it is part of a geoengineering project designed to help battle climate change. But is this a science experiment that has backfired?
There is little doubt left in anybody’s mind these days that the world’s weather is changing drastically. And a buildup of carbon dioxide and methane gas emissions is getting blamed. But could the real culprit be something going on right over our heads . . . those ubiquitous vapor trails constantly appearing across the sky? It appears that the trails are being deliberately sprayed to create artificial clouds of metallic substances that reflect sunlight, thereby reducing solar heating. Some believe it is part of a geoengineering project designed to help battle climate change. But is this a science experiment that has backfired?
The Strange Island Of Palmyra
In this overpopulated and troubled world we live in, there is a popular dream of escaping to a tropical paradise island where we can live in quiet bliss, supping the juice of cocoa nuts, catching our daily meals in the water and just getting away from it all. A few people have actually tried this. And if they ended up on Palmyra Atoll in the heart of the South Pacific they quickly discovered that tropical island wasn’t where they wanted to be. The place is reportedly haunted or cursed. Norman Sanders, who conducted geological surveys on the island, wrote in his log: "Palmyra will always belong to itself, never to man. It is a very forbidding place."
In this overpopulated and troubled world we live in, there is a popular dream of escaping to a tropical paradise island where we can live in quiet bliss, supping the juice of cocoa nuts, catching our daily meals in the water and just getting away from it all. A few people have actually tried this. And if they ended up on Palmyra Atoll in the heart of the South Pacific they quickly discovered that tropical island wasn’t where they wanted to be. The place is reportedly haunted or cursed. Norman Sanders, who conducted geological surveys on the island, wrote in his log: "Palmyra will always belong to itself, never to man. It is a very forbidding place."
Riding Out the Storm
By now there should be no debate about the warming of our planet and its effect on the climate. In spite of warnings by some of the world’s leading scientists, including Stephen Hawking, that we were going to be in big trouble if we didn’t stop the reckless burning of fossil fuels, we chose to ignore the warnings. But there were always those voices, claiming to be authoritative about the subject, who were awarded lots of time on our television screens to assure us that all was well. Nothing to worry about. The planet is just going through a normal reciprocal change. Nothing bad is going to happen. Life is good. Go on driving those gas guzzling cars, flying those jet aircraft, fighting senseless wars and using coal fired electric generating plants to give us the juice. Well the chickens are coming home to roost, so to speak. Extreme climate change is here and we are all about to pay the price for listening to those fools.
By now there should be no debate about the warming of our planet and its effect on the climate. In spite of warnings by some of the world’s leading scientists, including Stephen Hawking, that we were going to be in big trouble if we didn’t stop the reckless burning of fossil fuels, we chose to ignore the warnings. But there were always those voices, claiming to be authoritative about the subject, who were awarded lots of time on our television screens to assure us that all was well. Nothing to worry about. The planet is just going through a normal reciprocal change. Nothing bad is going to happen. Life is good. Go on driving those gas guzzling cars, flying those jet aircraft, fighting senseless wars and using coal fired electric generating plants to give us the juice. Well the chickens are coming home to roost, so to speak. Extreme climate change is here and we are all about to pay the price for listening to those fools.
Arctic Release Of Methane Now At Deadly Levels
During the years when scientists were warning us about the "greenhouse effect" of carbon dioxide from the mass burning of carbon based fuels, it was also theorized that if the heating Earth caused the Arctic ice to melt there would also be a huge release of methane gas entrapped in the ice that would intensify the problem. The planet has continued to heat and alas, the worst scenario imaginable is now happening as both the Arctic and Antarctic ice is indeed disappearing at an alarming rate. The methane which has been trapped in that ice and deep below the ocean for millions of years started to be released in October, 2013, at "a staggering rate" according to Arctic News. Adding to this methane release has been the big campaign to find new gas and oil sources through drilling and fracking. This has world scientists and researchers alarmed, but to date, many high U.S. government officials, including Donald Trump, are refusing to recognize a problem.
During the years when scientists were warning us about the "greenhouse effect" of carbon dioxide from the mass burning of carbon based fuels, it was also theorized that if the heating Earth caused the Arctic ice to melt there would also be a huge release of methane gas entrapped in the ice that would intensify the problem. The planet has continued to heat and alas, the worst scenario imaginable is now happening as both the Arctic and Antarctic ice is indeed disappearing at an alarming rate. The methane which has been trapped in that ice and deep below the ocean for millions of years started to be released in October, 2013, at "a staggering rate" according to Arctic News. Adding to this methane release has been the big campaign to find new gas and oil sources through drilling and fracking. This has world scientists and researchers alarmed, but to date, many high U.S. government officials, including Donald Trump, are refusing to recognize a problem.
Tybee Island
The Missing A-Bomb Off the Georgia Coast
There is a scary story about a missing nuclear bomb that has been lying in shallow water, just off Savannah, Georgia, since it was dropped there in February, 1958. It seems that a B-47 bomber was carrying this bomb on a training mission when it collided with a fighter jet. The bomber was severely damaged, but still flying. To assure a better chance at a safe landing, the crew elected to drop the bomb somewhere near Tybee island. Without its plutonium-filled warhead attached, the bomb did not explode. The military spent a few weeks searching for that deadly piece of hardware, but then gave up. The 12-foot-long, 7,600-pound device has been lying out there ever since, a deadly pile of rusting debris filled with uranium and explosives that may someday raise havoc with the local real estate if something is not done.
There is a scary story about a missing nuclear bomb that has been lying in shallow water, just off Savannah, Georgia, since it was dropped there in February, 1958. It seems that a B-47 bomber was carrying this bomb on a training mission when it collided with a fighter jet. The bomber was severely damaged, but still flying. To assure a better chance at a safe landing, the crew elected to drop the bomb somewhere near Tybee island. Without its plutonium-filled warhead attached, the bomb did not explode. The military spent a few weeks searching for that deadly piece of hardware, but then gave up. The 12-foot-long, 7,600-pound device has been lying out there ever since, a deadly pile of rusting debris filled with uranium and explosives that may someday raise havoc with the local real estate if something is not done.
George Steib and Tesla
It was during that magical early spring of 1959, when I was caught up by the beat generation writers and running wild with the Beaver Boys and their Dixieland music that I met George Steib. I don’t recall how we crossed paths except that he was renting a room in a house directly across the street from Mogg Hall. But there was a crazy night of drinking in the Flamingo Bar, which we lovingly referred to as “The Bird,” and Steib sat across my table, filling my brain with his prose and wit. I decided that night that I liked this man very much. A few days later Steib and I were sitting in the shade of the front porch where he lived, sipping Tom Collins drinks, and talking about Nicola Tesla.
It was during that magical early spring of 1959, when I was caught up by the beat generation writers and running wild with the Beaver Boys and their Dixieland music that I met George Steib. I don’t recall how we crossed paths except that he was renting a room in a house directly across the street from Mogg Hall. But there was a crazy night of drinking in the Flamingo Bar, which we lovingly referred to as “The Bird,” and Steib sat across my table, filling my brain with his prose and wit. I decided that night that I liked this man very much. A few days later Steib and I were sitting in the shade of the front porch where he lived, sipping Tom Collins drinks, and talking about Nicola Tesla.
Industrial Mercury Is Falling Out Of The Sky
Toxic levels of mercury are now being found in the rain and snow that fall out of our skies, scientists warn. It is affecting the health of all living creatures. The mercury contamination is found primarily in one major food source . . . fish. Much of it was noticed first in fresh water species, but more recently the high mercury contamination also is being found in certain sea foods, especially the shell fish and tuna. It is believed that the biggest polluter is coal-fired power plants that now pepper the planet. Another major mercury polluter that few people think about are municipal medical waste incinerators that also spew mercury into the air. These two sources are said to account for 85 percent of all mercury pollution in the air.
Toxic levels of mercury are now being found in the rain and snow that fall out of our skies, scientists warn. It is affecting the health of all living creatures. The mercury contamination is found primarily in one major food source . . . fish. Much of it was noticed first in fresh water species, but more recently the high mercury contamination also is being found in certain sea foods, especially the shell fish and tuna. It is believed that the biggest polluter is coal-fired power plants that now pepper the planet. Another major mercury polluter that few people think about are municipal medical waste incinerators that also spew mercury into the air. These two sources are said to account for 85 percent of all mercury pollution in the air.
Running Out Of Good Air To Breathe
If you have any sense of the world around you, there must be an awareness that something isn’t quite right about the air we are breathing. More and more people are suffering with lung diseases like asthma and emphysema, and even those of us who think we are healthy, are beginning to have trouble getting enough air when we are outside working hard or exercising. We presently live in an area in North America where we believe the air is about as pure as any you can find in the world. And yet we are shocked to notice that there is a faint grey film on everything around us. It can be found on the leaves, on park benches, and on the surface of the car we washed only the day before. Click for Story
If you have any sense of the world around you, there must be an awareness that something isn’t quite right about the air we are breathing. More and more people are suffering with lung diseases like asthma and emphysema, and even those of us who think we are healthy, are beginning to have trouble getting enough air when we are outside working hard or exercising. We presently live in an area in North America where we believe the air is about as pure as any you can find in the world. And yet we are shocked to notice that there is a faint grey film on everything around us. It can be found on the leaves, on park benches, and on the surface of the car we washed only the day before. Click for Story
Planet Crisis Is Coming On Us Faster Than Anyone Expected
When scientists first agreed that global warming and climate change was real and a looming crisis that needed to be dealt with, they offered early computer-model projections of 50 to 100 years before things got serious. More recent projections, however, based on improved computer systems and better data, shortened that timeline to 10 to 20 years. By around 2008 the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) warned that new projections found that we only have about four years, until 2012 to stop those deadly carbon emissions or those climate changes are going to create a hell on Earth. This latest report warns that a failure to act, and act decisively by world governments immediately, will create untold hardships for future generations that may be impossible to fix.
When scientists first agreed that global warming and climate change was real and a looming crisis that needed to be dealt with, they offered early computer-model projections of 50 to 100 years before things got serious. More recent projections, however, based on improved computer systems and better data, shortened that timeline to 10 to 20 years. By around 2008 the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) warned that new projections found that we only have about four years, until 2012 to stop those deadly carbon emissions or those climate changes are going to create a hell on Earth. This latest report warns that a failure to act, and act decisively by world governments immediately, will create untold hardships for future generations that may be impossible to fix.
Arctic Release Of Methane Now At Deadly Levels
During the years when scientists were warning us about the "greenhouse effect" of carbon dioxide from the mass burning of carbon based fuels, it was also theorized that if the heating Earth caused the Arctic ice to melt there would also be a huge release of methane gas entrapped in the ice that would intensify the problem. The planet has continued to heat and alas, the worst scenario imaginable is now happening as both the Arctic and Antarctic ice is disappearing at an alarming rate. The methane which has been trapped in that ice and deep below the ocean for millions of years started to be released in October, 2013, at "a staggering rate" according to Arctic News. This has world scientists and researchers alarmed, but to date, many high U.S. government officials, including Donald Trump, are refusing to recognize a problem.
During the years when scientists were warning us about the "greenhouse effect" of carbon dioxide from the mass burning of carbon based fuels, it was also theorized that if the heating Earth caused the Arctic ice to melt there would also be a huge release of methane gas entrapped in the ice that would intensify the problem. The planet has continued to heat and alas, the worst scenario imaginable is now happening as both the Arctic and Antarctic ice is disappearing at an alarming rate. The methane which has been trapped in that ice and deep below the ocean for millions of years started to be released in October, 2013, at "a staggering rate" according to Arctic News. This has world scientists and researchers alarmed, but to date, many high U.S. government officials, including Donald Trump, are refusing to recognize a problem.
Living on Our Heating Planet
I am sitting in a shaded ground floor apartment in the heart of a California rain forest suffering from 91 degree heat on what should be a comfortable autumn afternoon. And I am thinking of our ugly future as I write these thoughts. While scientists are nearly united now in their belief that human activity over the last century has brought about this already deadly runaway heat we still have government leaders and corporate CEOs refusing to do anything about it. To do so would mean financial sacrifice that personal greed will not allow them to make.
I am sitting in a shaded ground floor apartment in the heart of a California rain forest suffering from 91 degree heat on what should be a comfortable autumn afternoon. And I am thinking of our ugly future as I write these thoughts. While scientists are nearly united now in their belief that human activity over the last century has brought about this already deadly runaway heat we still have government leaders and corporate CEOs refusing to do anything about it. To do so would mean financial sacrifice that personal greed will not allow them to make.
Remembering A False World As We Thought We Knew It
The bankruptcy filings by numerous large and familiar business places are only the tip of an iceberg that floats below the sea of chaos that now surrounds us. Fierce storms like Dorian are becoming the norm as the Earth warms and the polar ice goes into meltdown. As the realization strikes that our overcrowded and polluted world is allegedly running out of natural resources and that successful on-line corporations like Amazon are creating a home shopping phenomenon everything we once thought we knew is changing radically. Everything we once thought we could expect with our world is in a state of extreme change. Is there a solution?
The bankruptcy filings by numerous large and familiar business places are only the tip of an iceberg that floats below the sea of chaos that now surrounds us. Fierce storms like Dorian are becoming the norm as the Earth warms and the polar ice goes into meltdown. As the realization strikes that our overcrowded and polluted world is allegedly running out of natural resources and that successful on-line corporations like Amazon are creating a home shopping phenomenon everything we once thought we knew is changing radically. Everything we once thought we could expect with our world is in a state of extreme change. Is there a solution?
Can Great Lakes States Trust Their Government
To Preserve The Lakes?
As fresh potable water has been growing scarce throughout the world, residents of the eight states surrounding the Great Lakes have gone to great lengths to preserve and protect this great natural resource. The lakes have proven their recreational and industrial value, have maintained a major fishing industry and have been a source of water for all of the great cities surrounding them, from Chicago east to Detroit, Cleveland and Buffalo. Over the years . . . even before the great aquifers deep under the earth began going dry . . . farmers and big cities located in places far away from the lakes entertained thoughts of tapping into the lakes for commercial and industrial reasons.
To Preserve The Lakes?
As fresh potable water has been growing scarce throughout the world, residents of the eight states surrounding the Great Lakes have gone to great lengths to preserve and protect this great natural resource. The lakes have proven their recreational and industrial value, have maintained a major fishing industry and have been a source of water for all of the great cities surrounding them, from Chicago east to Detroit, Cleveland and Buffalo. Over the years . . . even before the great aquifers deep under the earth began going dry . . . farmers and big cities located in places far away from the lakes entertained thoughts of tapping into the lakes for commercial and industrial reasons.
Pacific Coast Residents – Look Out For The Hilina Slump!
The Hilina Slump is a colossal piece of the Kilauea volcano, measuring about 5,000 cubic miles in its size, located on the big island of Hawaii. What is scary about this piece of mountain is that is has broken away from the south side of the volcano. The point where the break occurred is known to the natives as “The Big Crack.” The crack widens by about four inches every year, sometimes moving faster and sometimes slower. While geologists can’t predict when and if the Hilina Slump will make a sudden plunge into the sea, they say such an event is possible. The last time an event like it happened at Hawaii was about 110,000 years ago. It was such a destructive event it sent waves 1,600 feet high into all of the lands on the Pacific Rim.
The Hilina Slump is a colossal piece of the Kilauea volcano, measuring about 5,000 cubic miles in its size, located on the big island of Hawaii. What is scary about this piece of mountain is that is has broken away from the south side of the volcano. The point where the break occurred is known to the natives as “The Big Crack.” The crack widens by about four inches every year, sometimes moving faster and sometimes slower. While geologists can’t predict when and if the Hilina Slump will make a sudden plunge into the sea, they say such an event is possible. The last time an event like it happened at Hawaii was about 110,000 years ago. It was such a destructive event it sent waves 1,600 feet high into all of the lands on the Pacific Rim.
Our Dying Oceans; Why Isn't This Big News?
The oceans of our world are massive. And the storms at sea can be powerful. In the days of sailing ships, vessels often remained at sea for months before making landfall. Sometimes they sailed off never to be seen or heard of again. This may be why humans have been careless about dumping waste products from not only our ships, but trash from industrial and city waste plus the agricultural run-off into our rivers into the open seas. We never dreamed that such activity could threaten the life that existed under those vast and seemingly endless waters. It has taken us a few hundred years, but we have succeeded in doing this very thing.
The oceans of our world are massive. And the storms at sea can be powerful. In the days of sailing ships, vessels often remained at sea for months before making landfall. Sometimes they sailed off never to be seen or heard of again. This may be why humans have been careless about dumping waste products from not only our ships, but trash from industrial and city waste plus the agricultural run-off into our rivers into the open seas. We never dreamed that such activity could threaten the life that existed under those vast and seemingly endless waters. It has taken us a few hundred years, but we have succeeded in doing this very thing.
The Hanford Nuclear Disaster Threat
Back in the 1940’s when allied and Axis forces were in a race to develop the atomic bomb, the United States went to great lengths to win that competition. We eventually heard about the Manhattan Project that went on secretly in the desert southwest but nothing was revealed for the next 20 years about the Hanford Project, a massive nuclear production complex operated along the Columbia River in Washington State.
Back in the 1940’s when allied and Axis forces were in a race to develop the atomic bomb, the United States went to great lengths to win that competition. We eventually heard about the Manhattan Project that went on secretly in the desert southwest but nothing was revealed for the next 20 years about the Hanford Project, a massive nuclear production complex operated along the Columbia River in Washington State.
Mosquito Bites Getting Deadly
It was bad enough when mosquito bites in the U.S. began passing on the West Nile Virus about a decade ago. But with the warming temperatures, breeds of mosquitoes that carry other tropical type diseases are working north. One mosquito, known as Aedes aegypti, is threatening us with dengue fever and another painful virus known as chikungunya. Cases of dengue fever have been reported in Florida and Texas in recent years and the first cases of chikungunya were reported in Florida this year.
It was bad enough when mosquito bites in the U.S. began passing on the West Nile Virus about a decade ago. But with the warming temperatures, breeds of mosquitoes that carry other tropical type diseases are working north. One mosquito, known as Aedes aegypti, is threatening us with dengue fever and another painful virus known as chikungunya. Cases of dengue fever have been reported in Florida and Texas in recent years and the first cases of chikungunya were reported in Florida this year.
Even Organic Honey Is Probably Toxic
Health conscious folks like to substitute honey for sugar or artificial sweeteners when baking. The general thinking is that pure honey is a natural sweet ingredient that can be safely enjoyed without the problem of toxic chemical additives. But researchers have discovered an overlooked problem here. It seems that even on organic farms, and when bee keepers are being ultra-careful to assure the purity of the honey their bees are producing, nobody can restrict the bees from buzzing on over to the nearby farms where GMO crops are being grown.
Health conscious folks like to substitute honey for sugar or artificial sweeteners when baking. The general thinking is that pure honey is a natural sweet ingredient that can be safely enjoyed without the problem of toxic chemical additives. But researchers have discovered an overlooked problem here. It seems that even on organic farms, and when bee keepers are being ultra-careful to assure the purity of the honey their bees are producing, nobody can restrict the bees from buzzing on over to the nearby farms where GMO crops are being grown.
Covering The Earth With Trees
We have some good environmental news to report. It seems that Lockheed Martin teamed up with Aerial Forestation Inc. of Newton, Massachusetts a few years back to restore a fleet of decommissioned C-130 Hercules cargo planes for use in reforesting the world. It just awaits financial sponsors to be activated. The idea was dreamed up by former UK Royal Air Force pilot Jack Walters about 35 years ago. Walters envisioned using the C-130s, which were equipped to drop land mines, to do mass aerial plantings of trees instead.
We have some good environmental news to report. It seems that Lockheed Martin teamed up with Aerial Forestation Inc. of Newton, Massachusetts a few years back to restore a fleet of decommissioned C-130 Hercules cargo planes for use in reforesting the world. It just awaits financial sponsors to be activated. The idea was dreamed up by former UK Royal Air Force pilot Jack Walters about 35 years ago. Walters envisioned using the C-130s, which were equipped to drop land mines, to do mass aerial plantings of trees instead.
McDonough & Braungart
Designer William McDonough Has Answers To Our Environmental Dilemma
Sometimes when we start tearing our hair in frustration over humanity’s apparent inability to stop its wasteful rape of the environment for personal profit, we discover that some researchers are working hard to solve these problems and turn it all around. Such a person is Designer and Architect William McDonough, creator of a design concept called cradle-to-cradle. In a book McDonough co-authored with German chemist Michael Braungart, Cradle-to-Cradle; Remaking the Way We Make Things, he calls for making products of parts that can be completely recycled or will decompose after their life cycle has expired.
Sometimes when we start tearing our hair in frustration over humanity’s apparent inability to stop its wasteful rape of the environment for personal profit, we discover that some researchers are working hard to solve these problems and turn it all around. Such a person is Designer and Architect William McDonough, creator of a design concept called cradle-to-cradle. In a book McDonough co-authored with German chemist Michael Braungart, Cradle-to-Cradle; Remaking the Way We Make Things, he calls for making products of parts that can be completely recycled or will decompose after their life cycle has expired.
Deadly Greenhouse Gas - SF6
There has been great concern over the greenhouse gasses known to be collecting in the atmosphere and blamed for the dangerous heating of our planet. But there are other greenhouse gasses that include fluoride and yet another little reported gas called sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) stemming from the industrial use of fluoride that should also be of great concern. Sulfur hexafluoride is an inorganic, colorless, odorless, non-flammable, and extremely potent greenhouse gas. Its formula contains six parts of fluoride and one part sulfur. This interesting gas is being used to insulate electric transmission lines, make “air cushioned” shoes and compressed canisters used to blow up automobile tires.
There has been great concern over the greenhouse gasses known to be collecting in the atmosphere and blamed for the dangerous heating of our planet. But there are other greenhouse gasses that include fluoride and yet another little reported gas called sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) stemming from the industrial use of fluoride that should also be of great concern. Sulfur hexafluoride is an inorganic, colorless, odorless, non-flammable, and extremely potent greenhouse gas. Its formula contains six parts of fluoride and one part sulfur. This interesting gas is being used to insulate electric transmission lines, make “air cushioned” shoes and compressed canisters used to blow up automobile tires.
Why Birds Fly In "V" Formation
In my native state of Michigan the sight and sounds of the Canadian Geese in flight during their natural migrations are sure harbingers of both spring and winter. These large birds, sometimes flying low over our community looking for a place to rest and eat, were always honking and squawking as if in constant communication with one another, and always following a leader in near perfect "V" formation. That geese flew in formation was always known, although nobody in our town knew why. It was a mystery of nature that we seemed to take for granted. There was always a theory that the birds somehow found easier flying by staying in the "slipstream" of the bird ahead, but it was never proved.
In my native state of Michigan the sight and sounds of the Canadian Geese in flight during their natural migrations are sure harbingers of both spring and winter. These large birds, sometimes flying low over our community looking for a place to rest and eat, were always honking and squawking as if in constant communication with one another, and always following a leader in near perfect "V" formation. That geese flew in formation was always known, although nobody in our town knew why. It was a mystery of nature that we seemed to take for granted. There was always a theory that the birds somehow found easier flying by staying in the "slipstream" of the bird ahead, but it was never proved.
The Amazing Dolphins
It has been known that Dolphins are intelligent creatures of the deep. But it was not until the 1961, when Dr. John C. Lilly published his book "Man and Dolphin," that anybody thought of these creatures as possibly being as smart, if not smarter than humans. Lilly looked upon the dolphin in the way we might think of a highly intelligent alien mind living in a watery world very different from our own. He discovered ways of communicating with these amazing mammals. Because of their ability to hear and make sounds that go beyond human awareness, the dolphins found that to communicate with us, they had to keep their noises within the human pitch range. In effect, the dolphins were able to work with Lilly to break communication barriers. Not only could they do this, but the dolphins were recorded by Lilly mimicking human words.
It has been known that Dolphins are intelligent creatures of the deep. But it was not until the 1961, when Dr. John C. Lilly published his book "Man and Dolphin," that anybody thought of these creatures as possibly being as smart, if not smarter than humans. Lilly looked upon the dolphin in the way we might think of a highly intelligent alien mind living in a watery world very different from our own. He discovered ways of communicating with these amazing mammals. Because of their ability to hear and make sounds that go beyond human awareness, the dolphins found that to communicate with us, they had to keep their noises within the human pitch range. In effect, the dolphins were able to work with Lilly to break communication barriers. Not only could they do this, but the dolphins were recorded by Lilly mimicking human words.
This News Should Scare You
A recently published report confirms something the researchers have been warning for years. . . that the seven billion plus people now packing this earth are more than the planet can support. The human race is literally breeding itself into extinction. An organization called World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Brussels calculated that humans are pushing the planet over 30 percent beyond its capacity to provide from its natural resources "without suffering serious damage." The report noted that "if people in the developing world consumed as much as those living in the richest countries, the human race would need another two planet Earths to cope."
A recently published report confirms something the researchers have been warning for years. . . that the seven billion plus people now packing this earth are more than the planet can support. The human race is literally breeding itself into extinction. An organization called World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Brussels calculated that humans are pushing the planet over 30 percent beyond its capacity to provide from its natural resources "without suffering serious damage." The report noted that "if people in the developing world consumed as much as those living in the richest countries, the human race would need another two planet Earths to cope."
The Prospects Of Cow Power On The Farm
Critics have been poking fun at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green Energy plan that includes controlling excessive “cow farts.” Her proposal is not a laughing matter, however, since studies have shown that a single cow can produce between 66 and 132 gallons of methane gas in a single day. And that doesn’t include the amount of methane produced from the piles and piles of cow manure that flows into farm recycling centers. Because of the nation’s demands for the milk products and meat, there are hundreds of thousands of cows grazing on the farms. Methane is a serious problem since it collects more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. And the stench from livestock can be unbearable.So how to we plug the cow farts?
Critics have been poking fun at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green Energy plan that includes controlling excessive “cow farts.” Her proposal is not a laughing matter, however, since studies have shown that a single cow can produce between 66 and 132 gallons of methane gas in a single day. And that doesn’t include the amount of methane produced from the piles and piles of cow manure that flows into farm recycling centers. Because of the nation’s demands for the milk products and meat, there are hundreds of thousands of cows grazing on the farms. Methane is a serious problem since it collects more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. And the stench from livestock can be unbearable.So how to we plug the cow farts?
The Canary Island Time Bomb
If you think the big tides and flooding from the hurricanes are bad, consider a “mega tsunami,” a massive wall of water sweeping across the Atlantic at speeds of over 500 miles-per-hour and striking the entire east coast of the United States. Not only affecting the Americas, but this same wave also would slam into the British Isles, the entire western coasts of Europe, Africa, South America and the Caribbean Islands, destroying everything in its path. Scientists warn that this kind of disaster is poised to really happen because of a large piece of a volcano that is poised to plunge into the sea.
If you think the big tides and flooding from the hurricanes are bad, consider a “mega tsunami,” a massive wall of water sweeping across the Atlantic at speeds of over 500 miles-per-hour and striking the entire east coast of the United States. Not only affecting the Americas, but this same wave also would slam into the British Isles, the entire western coasts of Europe, Africa, South America and the Caribbean Islands, destroying everything in its path. Scientists warn that this kind of disaster is poised to really happen because of a large piece of a volcano that is poised to plunge into the sea.
Can Global Warming Bring Arctic Winter?
Folks in the Midwest and on the East Coast are wondering why they have been hit with a “polar vortex,” periods of extreme cold, while researchers are blaming it on global warming. A report in Forbes written by Ethan Siegel attempts to explain this phenomenon. Siegel wrote: “The exact details of how this works are complex, but the explanation is simple: warmer land temperatures, particularly in North America and northern Eurasia, all more heat to be transported into the Arctic stratosphere. A warmer Earth makes sudden stratospheric warming events more likely and more frequent. And those events destabilize the polar vortex, bring cold air down into the mid-latitudes, and cause the extreme weather we’re experiencing right now.” What is worse, the researchers are saying these extremes may be with us for awhile.
Folks in the Midwest and on the East Coast are wondering why they have been hit with a “polar vortex,” periods of extreme cold, while researchers are blaming it on global warming. A report in Forbes written by Ethan Siegel attempts to explain this phenomenon. Siegel wrote: “The exact details of how this works are complex, but the explanation is simple: warmer land temperatures, particularly in North America and northern Eurasia, all more heat to be transported into the Arctic stratosphere. A warmer Earth makes sudden stratospheric warming events more likely and more frequent. And those events destabilize the polar vortex, bring cold air down into the mid-latitudes, and cause the extreme weather we’re experiencing right now.” What is worse, the researchers are saying these extremes may be with us for awhile.
Are Plants Aware?
An article in the Christian Science Monitor reported on research by scientists in “the evolving paradigm of plant intelligence.” The story by Patrik Jonsson noted that some scientists believe plants are capable of carefully considering their environment, speculating on the future, conquering territory and enemies, “and are often capable of forethought – revelations that could affect everyone from gardeners to philosophers.” Jonsson added that the research has opened “a sprouting debate over the nature of intelligence itself.”
An article in the Christian Science Monitor reported on research by scientists in “the evolving paradigm of plant intelligence.” The story by Patrik Jonsson noted that some scientists believe plants are capable of carefully considering their environment, speculating on the future, conquering territory and enemies, “and are often capable of forethought – revelations that could affect everyone from gardeners to philosophers.” Jonsson added that the research has opened “a sprouting debate over the nature of intelligence itself.”
Flirting With Disaster On The Electric Grid
As we were during the days of cheap oil, Americans appear blindly unaware of a potential looming disaster that looms on the nation’s electric grid. Yet when the lights go out for even a few hours, all life as we know it grinds to a halt. Consider how cities clogged with millions of people might deal with a black-out lasting weeks or even years. After several major blackouts that knocked out portions of the nation’s decaying grid system in recent years, the nuclear disasters at Fukushima, Chernobyl and Three Mile Island, and the growing number of natural disasters from tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding, analysts are warning that there is a crying need for a general overhaul and improvement of the U.S. electrical grid.
As we were during the days of cheap oil, Americans appear blindly unaware of a potential looming disaster that looms on the nation’s electric grid. Yet when the lights go out for even a few hours, all life as we know it grinds to a halt. Consider how cities clogged with millions of people might deal with a black-out lasting weeks or even years. After several major blackouts that knocked out portions of the nation’s decaying grid system in recent years, the nuclear disasters at Fukushima, Chernobyl and Three Mile Island, and the growing number of natural disasters from tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding, analysts are warning that there is a crying need for a general overhaul and improvement of the U.S. electrical grid.
How Bleak To Observe The Dying Pacific
My current home rests high on a hill which allows me to stand in the yard and look out over the great Pacific Ocean. On special days, my daughter and I drive to a park where we walk to a cliff that brings us close to the water’s edge. At certain times of the year we are privileged to see the great whales and schools of dolphin leaping high out of the water as they feed on schools of fish that make their way into the bay. While it is exciting to go there, I also experience a deep melancholy when I look down from the cliff at that great ocean. For I know it is dying. Thousands of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and birds are washing up on the American coast, many of them dead and others dying, suffering from what appear to be violent seizures.
My current home rests high on a hill which allows me to stand in the yard and look out over the great Pacific Ocean. On special days, my daughter and I drive to a park where we walk to a cliff that brings us close to the water’s edge. At certain times of the year we are privileged to see the great whales and schools of dolphin leaping high out of the water as they feed on schools of fish that make their way into the bay. While it is exciting to go there, I also experience a deep melancholy when I look down from the cliff at that great ocean. For I know it is dying. Thousands of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and birds are washing up on the American coast, many of them dead and others dying, suffering from what appear to be violent seizures.
Living Dangerously In California
The ground is rumbling under our feet as the coastal fault lines grind and move; there is a general water shortage for lack of enough rainfall and the tender dry forests around us are all ablaze. The smoke hangs heavily making breathing difficult and throwing asthmatics to the ground. People choke on the job as the smoke fills stores and offices. Thousands of people are being burned out of their homes this fall as the fire season, which never really quits now, gears up under the deadly Santa Ana Winds that roll down from the mountain ranges to the east.
The ground is rumbling under our feet as the coastal fault lines grind and move; there is a general water shortage for lack of enough rainfall and the tender dry forests around us are all ablaze. The smoke hangs heavily making breathing difficult and throwing asthmatics to the ground. People choke on the job as the smoke fills stores and offices. Thousands of people are being burned out of their homes this fall as the fire season, which never really quits now, gears up under the deadly Santa Ana Winds that roll down from the mountain ranges to the east.
For a Drink of Water
The California Ant Invasion
I watched this very small ant work its way across the white folded square of paper towel on my desk. I had just eaten a slice of toast with my morning coffee and even though I was careful not to have left a single crumb, it was obviously attracted by the scent the toast left on the paper. This was a scout for what has been described as a super colony of pesky Argentine ants that have invaded our entire drought-stricken state of California this summer. We have been fighting them so long and losing I realized that I had succumbed to just studying these amazing creatures that are sharing my home against my will.
I watched this very small ant work its way across the white folded square of paper towel on my desk. I had just eaten a slice of toast with my morning coffee and even though I was careful not to have left a single crumb, it was obviously attracted by the scent the toast left on the paper. This was a scout for what has been described as a super colony of pesky Argentine ants that have invaded our entire drought-stricken state of California this summer. We have been fighting them so long and losing I realized that I had succumbed to just studying these amazing creatures that are sharing my home against my will.
Flooded Epecuen Emerges After Some 30 Years
The once popular tourist town, Villa Epecuen, located on the eastern shore of Laguna Epecuen, Argentina, disappeared under 33 feet of water after torrential rains flooded Lake Epecuen and a seiche caused protective dike surrounding the community to fail. This happened on November 10, 1985. The town’s estimated 1,500 inhabitants fled, most of them to nearby Carhue, where they rebuilt their homes and their lives. The flooding came on them so fast the people left most of their personal belongings behind. Now, because of changing world weather patterns, the lake water has been slowly receding and the remains of Epecuen have reappeared. It is a ruined ghost town, so eerie that it has again become a strange tourist attraction just the way it stands.
The once popular tourist town, Villa Epecuen, located on the eastern shore of Laguna Epecuen, Argentina, disappeared under 33 feet of water after torrential rains flooded Lake Epecuen and a seiche caused protective dike surrounding the community to fail. This happened on November 10, 1985. The town’s estimated 1,500 inhabitants fled, most of them to nearby Carhue, where they rebuilt their homes and their lives. The flooding came on them so fast the people left most of their personal belongings behind. Now, because of changing world weather patterns, the lake water has been slowly receding and the remains of Epecuen have reappeared. It is a ruined ghost town, so eerie that it has again become a strange tourist attraction just the way it stands.
Fate Of The Disappearing Fireflies
As a child growing up in rural Michigan, I was always delighted each summer when the fireflies came out at dusk. Sometimes the yard would be filled with their tiny twinkling lights as they danced and flitted around us. One of the last marvelous memories of Michigan, before my wife and I sold our home near Cass City and began our adventures in Arizona, was that of sitting in our yard with friends and being surrounded by fireflies. Their silent little flashing added a magic to each evening. The field across the road was so filled with these little creatures it sometimes appeared to be ablaze with flickering lights. We rarely see fireflies now. Scientists lament that these marvelous little creatures are disappearing all over the world.
As a child growing up in rural Michigan, I was always delighted each summer when the fireflies came out at dusk. Sometimes the yard would be filled with their tiny twinkling lights as they danced and flitted around us. One of the last marvelous memories of Michigan, before my wife and I sold our home near Cass City and began our adventures in Arizona, was that of sitting in our yard with friends and being surrounded by fireflies. Their silent little flashing added a magic to each evening. The field across the road was so filled with these little creatures it sometimes appeared to be ablaze with flickering lights. We rarely see fireflies now. Scientists lament that these marvelous little creatures are disappearing all over the world.
Deforestation Of The World
The tree is a natural compliment to man. The environment we share is so designed that man needs trees and trees need man. With every breath we take oxygen into our lungs then exhale carbon dioxide as a byproduct of respiration. The trees around us, in turn, use photosynthesis to absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale. During photosynthesis, the tree combines carbon dioxide and water with chlorophyll to form a simple sugar which is food for the tree. The by-product of this process is oxygen. Thus trees generate the oxygen we need to live, just as we generate the carbon dioxide the trees need to live. So why have we set about to destroy our forests?
The tree is a natural compliment to man. The environment we share is so designed that man needs trees and trees need man. With every breath we take oxygen into our lungs then exhale carbon dioxide as a byproduct of respiration. The trees around us, in turn, use photosynthesis to absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale. During photosynthesis, the tree combines carbon dioxide and water with chlorophyll to form a simple sugar which is food for the tree. The by-product of this process is oxygen. Thus trees generate the oxygen we need to live, just as we generate the carbon dioxide the trees need to live. So why have we set about to destroy our forests?
Costly Desalinated Water Looms In Our Future
The problem of providing enough potable drinking water to supply the needs of an overpopulated and polluted world has been an unspoken world crisis for some time. Wars both large and small have been fought in many parts of the world over water rights. A changing climate brought on by global warming is bringing droughts in populated areas that are intensifying this dilemma and bringing it to public awareness. When our fresh water sources become polluted from all the industrial activities going on in the world, and with drought conditions sweeping populated areas that once experienced adequate rainfall, what will be left for us to drink? There is a solution. There is a process of separating salt from seawater called desalination that makes it drinkable, but it has been costly.
The problem of providing enough potable drinking water to supply the needs of an overpopulated and polluted world has been an unspoken world crisis for some time. Wars both large and small have been fought in many parts of the world over water rights. A changing climate brought on by global warming is bringing droughts in populated areas that are intensifying this dilemma and bringing it to public awareness. When our fresh water sources become polluted from all the industrial activities going on in the world, and with drought conditions sweeping populated areas that once experienced adequate rainfall, what will be left for us to drink? There is a solution. There is a process of separating salt from seawater called desalination that makes it drinkable, but it has been costly.
Beware the Hogweed Invasion
It looks like a giant version of Queen Ann’s Lace and its display of white ornamental flowers is lovely to admire . . . but from a distance. It is perhaps one of the more toxic plants to humans to be found anywhere. And after sweeping Europe it is now being found throughout Canada and portions of the Northeastern United States. The sap of this plant will cause up to third degree burns of the skin that are extremely painful, take weeks and even months to heal, and sometimes leave scars.
It looks like a giant version of Queen Ann’s Lace and its display of white ornamental flowers is lovely to admire . . . but from a distance. It is perhaps one of the more toxic plants to humans to be found anywhere. And after sweeping Europe it is now being found throughout Canada and portions of the Northeastern United States. The sap of this plant will cause up to third degree burns of the skin that are extremely painful, take weeks and even months to heal, and sometimes leave scars.
Fixing The Problem
Gaia Is About To Clean House
The psychics, visionaries and astrologers all appear to be in agreement that something spectacular is about to occur on this planet that will save the Mother Earth and possibly a remnant of humanity. And if the late visionary Stuart Wilde’s message is correct, she is going to go about it in a most ingenious and amazingly natural way.
The psychics, visionaries and astrologers all appear to be in agreement that something spectacular is about to occur on this planet that will save the Mother Earth and possibly a remnant of humanity. And if the late visionary Stuart Wilde’s message is correct, she is going to go about it in a most ingenious and amazingly natural way.
Breach In Magnetic Field May Signal Important Changes
Five NASA THEMIS spacecraft, launched in 2007 to study the cause of aurora borealis (Northern Lights) recorded a massive breach in the Earth’s magnetic field the following year. The hole is so large that scientists say solar wind can now flow freely through the opening and “load up” the magnetosphere for powerful geomagnetic storms. What impact will it have on our world?
Five NASA THEMIS spacecraft, launched in 2007 to study the cause of aurora borealis (Northern Lights) recorded a massive breach in the Earth’s magnetic field the following year. The hole is so large that scientists say solar wind can now flow freely through the opening and “load up” the magnetosphere for powerful geomagnetic storms. What impact will it have on our world?
Beef Eaters Are A Major Threat To The Earth
It has been said that the cost of raising cows to produce meat as a food commodity is so high that it is non-productive when it comes to feeding the hungry people on this planet. A recent news clipping not only gives statistics that bear this out, but shows how cattle ranches to produce meat also are generating deadly greenhouse gas. The article notes that Japanese scientists used a range of data to calculate that producing 2.2 pounds of beef generates as much greenhouse gas as driving a car non-stop for three hours.
Behold! A Mushroom That Attacks Pests
Mushroom King Paul Stamets appears to have produced a form of fungus that may soon rival the pesticide industry. That’s because it attacks crop-damaging bugs without harming the environment.
Stamets, a world renowned mycologist, seems to find varieties of mushrooms that clean up most of the poisons we humans are constantly pouring into the soil and waters of the Earth.
Mushroom King Paul Stamets appears to have produced a form of fungus that may soon rival the pesticide industry. That’s because it attacks crop-damaging bugs without harming the environment.
Stamets, a world renowned mycologist, seems to find varieties of mushrooms that clean up most of the poisons we humans are constantly pouring into the soil and waters of the Earth.
Foul Brown Haze Over The World
At sunset we noticed that brown haze was starting to creep in around us. The stars began to dim. The smog was on the move. Now it is everywhere. It comes from millions of automobiles, factories and furnaces all burning fossil fuels and spewing carbon particles into the atmosphere. It comes from chemical plants that spew an untold quantity of other elements from their stacks into the air every day. A recent report said a thick blanket of this haze now circles the entire northern hemisphere of the Earth. It is so thick it almost reaches the top of the Himalaya Mountains and is thick enough that it blocks up to fifteen percent of the sunlight. Scientists warn that the haze is affecting the world’s weather patterns, people’s general health and may now be affecting our food supply.
At sunset we noticed that brown haze was starting to creep in around us. The stars began to dim. The smog was on the move. Now it is everywhere. It comes from millions of automobiles, factories and furnaces all burning fossil fuels and spewing carbon particles into the atmosphere. It comes from chemical plants that spew an untold quantity of other elements from their stacks into the air every day. A recent report said a thick blanket of this haze now circles the entire northern hemisphere of the Earth. It is so thick it almost reaches the top of the Himalaya Mountains and is thick enough that it blocks up to fifteen percent of the sunlight. Scientists warn that the haze is affecting the world’s weather patterns, people’s general health and may now be affecting our food supply.
The Vapor Canopy Paradox
There exists a Vapor Canopy Theory that Bible scholars and some geologists use to explain anomalies of the ancient past. While such a theory solves some problems it also creates a strange paradox. There is geological and archaeological evidence found all over the earth proving that (a.) there was once a time when forests, vegetation and a wide variety of animals lived at both the northern frozen tundra and under the ice at Antarctica, (b.) large areas of the planet show fossil evidence of being submerged. The theory falls apart, however, when other evidence is examined.
There exists a Vapor Canopy Theory that Bible scholars and some geologists use to explain anomalies of the ancient past. While such a theory solves some problems it also creates a strange paradox. There is geological and archaeological evidence found all over the earth proving that (a.) there was once a time when forests, vegetation and a wide variety of animals lived at both the northern frozen tundra and under the ice at Antarctica, (b.) large areas of the planet show fossil evidence of being submerged. The theory falls apart, however, when other evidence is examined.
Our Ever Changing Magnetic Field
A few years ago, in the midst of an Internet scare involving a self-proclaimed psychic's warning that a shift in the magnetic field was eminent and that all life on Earth was doomed, a friend began e-mailing me the "new" compass readings showing the daily locations of the North Pole. I am not sure that it was moving as fast as he suggested . . . sometimes as much as 12 degrees in a single week . . . but I have since learned that the North Pole is, indeed, on the move. In fact, it may be quite normal for this to be happening.
A few years ago, in the midst of an Internet scare involving a self-proclaimed psychic's warning that a shift in the magnetic field was eminent and that all life on Earth was doomed, a friend began e-mailing me the "new" compass readings showing the daily locations of the North Pole. I am not sure that it was moving as fast as he suggested . . . sometimes as much as 12 degrees in a single week . . . but I have since learned that the North Pole is, indeed, on the move. In fact, it may be quite normal for this to be happening.
Artificially Cooling Our Planet
Some people believe those strange contrails that crisscross our skies are more than just jet engine exhaust clouds, but rather deliberate sprays of metallic materials like boron and aluminum designed to reflect the solar heat and cool down our overheated planet. Indeed, while politicians sold out to big business interests and the uninformed followers of Fox Noise may still belittle the concept of global warming and climate change, and poke insults at former Vice President Al Gore for his efforts to make people aware of the dangers of runaway air pollution from industrial carbon emissions, scientists and even top figures in our military understand that the issue is real and getting worse by the month.
Some people believe those strange contrails that crisscross our skies are more than just jet engine exhaust clouds, but rather deliberate sprays of metallic materials like boron and aluminum designed to reflect the solar heat and cool down our overheated planet. Indeed, while politicians sold out to big business interests and the uninformed followers of Fox Noise may still belittle the concept of global warming and climate change, and poke insults at former Vice President Al Gore for his efforts to make people aware of the dangers of runaway air pollution from industrial carbon emissions, scientists and even top figures in our military understand that the issue is real and getting worse by the month.
Has Genetic Tinkering Destroyed Earth’s Pre-Biotic Chemistry?
Ever since Monsanto and other chemical companies have been tinkering with the genetic composition of our seeds there has been an alarm by consumers from all around the world. While many Americans have bent over and accepted the corporate propaganda, reinforced by the government hired lackeys like the Cooperative Extension Service, GMO foods have been banned by other nations. Yet slowly and surely, the powerful corporations involved in the distribution of these altered hybrid crops have reached their tentacles into nearly every corner of the world, making sure that genetic altered seed is sewn even where it is not welcome.
Ever since Monsanto and other chemical companies have been tinkering with the genetic composition of our seeds there has been an alarm by consumers from all around the world. While many Americans have bent over and accepted the corporate propaganda, reinforced by the government hired lackeys like the Cooperative Extension Service, GMO foods have been banned by other nations. Yet slowly and surely, the powerful corporations involved in the distribution of these altered hybrid crops have reached their tentacles into nearly every corner of the world, making sure that genetic altered seed is sewn even where it is not welcome.
Christian Right Missing Biblical Command For Earth Stewardship
In their rush to dismantle US environmental laws and allow big industry to exploit and pollute the planet, many high-riding, unchecked Bible thumping right-wing Christian political types illustrate their ignorance when it comes to the contents of the book they flaunt. While this writer in no way condones Christianity, he knows what is in the Bible. It includes a commandment by God, found in Genesis 2:15, to “dress and keep” the garden, which we perceive as the Earth as it existed when humans arrived.
In their rush to dismantle US environmental laws and allow big industry to exploit and pollute the planet, many high-riding, unchecked Bible thumping right-wing Christian political types illustrate their ignorance when it comes to the contents of the book they flaunt. While this writer in no way condones Christianity, he knows what is in the Bible. It includes a commandment by God, found in Genesis 2:15, to “dress and keep” the garden, which we perceive as the Earth as it existed when humans arrived.
Racing Toward Irreversible Destruction
Noted scientists have been warning us for years now that our consumption of carbon fuels is destroying our planet, our atmosphere and our water and leading all living creatures into an agonizing extinction. We have had time to fix our situation. We have found the resources to turn away the danger but big oil, big coal and big gas companies have been fighting efforts to utilize them every step of the way. Now the researchers are saying . . . the time to escape inevitable doom is running out.
Noted scientists have been warning us for years now that our consumption of carbon fuels is destroying our planet, our atmosphere and our water and leading all living creatures into an agonizing extinction. We have had time to fix our situation. We have found the resources to turn away the danger but big oil, big coal and big gas companies have been fighting efforts to utilize them every step of the way. Now the researchers are saying . . . the time to escape inevitable doom is running out.
California Goes To Court Against Fossil Fuel Giants
Hats off this month to both the City and County of Santa Cruz, California, where I make my home. Our elected leadership has just joined other coastal California communities in separate lawsuits against 29 oil, gas and coal companies seeking climate change related damages. A story by reporter Nicholas Ibarra in the Santa Cruz Sentinel noted that the complaints filed December 20 in Santa Cruz County Superior Court, charge negligence by the fuel companies and seek damages that may run hundreds of millions of dollars. If successful, the litigation may help force a desired shift from fossil fuels to alternative natural energy sources.
Hats off this month to both the City and County of Santa Cruz, California, where I make my home. Our elected leadership has just joined other coastal California communities in separate lawsuits against 29 oil, gas and coal companies seeking climate change related damages. A story by reporter Nicholas Ibarra in the Santa Cruz Sentinel noted that the complaints filed December 20 in Santa Cruz County Superior Court, charge negligence by the fuel companies and seek damages that may run hundreds of millions of dollars. If successful, the litigation may help force a desired shift from fossil fuels to alternative natural energy sources.
Arctic Release Of Methane Now At Deadly Levels
During the years when scientists were warning us about the "greenhouse effect" of carbon dioxide from the mass burning of carbon based fuels, it was also theorized that if the heating Earth caused the Arctic ice to melt there would also be a huge release of methane gas entrapped in the ice that would intensify the problem. While the media has rarely been reporting it, the worst scenario imaginable is now happening as the Arctic ice is, indeed, disappearing at an alarming rate. The methane which has been trapped in that ice and deep below the ocean for millions of years was found to be releasing at "a staggering rate" in 2013 according to Arctic News.
During the years when scientists were warning us about the "greenhouse effect" of carbon dioxide from the mass burning of carbon based fuels, it was also theorized that if the heating Earth caused the Arctic ice to melt there would also be a huge release of methane gas entrapped in the ice that would intensify the problem. While the media has rarely been reporting it, the worst scenario imaginable is now happening as the Arctic ice is, indeed, disappearing at an alarming rate. The methane which has been trapped in that ice and deep below the ocean for millions of years was found to be releasing at "a staggering rate" in 2013 according to Arctic News.
The Grand Aerial Display in Night Sky is Disappearing
Some years ago when we lived in a rural Michigan home with a large picture window facing east across a vast open field, I used to marvel at the panorama of stars visible on clear nights. Later when we lived briefly on the high plains of Arizona, the aerial display was so grand my wife and I spent hours studying the sky with a fine set of binoculars. We were rewarded that winter by an eclipse of the moon, a passing comet and a rare alignment of the planets. Now researchers for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are saying that weather satellite data is showing that artificial night lighting from all over our planet is bouncing off those layers of smog and making it more and more difficult to observe the stars. Light pollution is also affecting sleep patterns and having other ecological effects on people and especially nocturnal animals, the research report states.
Some years ago when we lived in a rural Michigan home with a large picture window facing east across a vast open field, I used to marvel at the panorama of stars visible on clear nights. Later when we lived briefly on the high plains of Arizona, the aerial display was so grand my wife and I spent hours studying the sky with a fine set of binoculars. We were rewarded that winter by an eclipse of the moon, a passing comet and a rare alignment of the planets. Now researchers for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are saying that weather satellite data is showing that artificial night lighting from all over our planet is bouncing off those layers of smog and making it more and more difficult to observe the stars. Light pollution is also affecting sleep patterns and having other ecological effects on people and especially nocturnal animals, the research report states.
Canaie Island Time Bomb
If you think the big tides and flooding from the hurricanes are bad, consider a “mega tsunami,” a massive wall of water sweeping across the Atlantic at speeds of over 500 miles-per-hour and striking the entire east coast of the United States. It could happen. Not only affecting the Americas, but a similar wave also would slam into the British Isles, the entire western coasts of Europe, Africa, South America and the Caribbean Islands, destroying everything in its path. Scientists warn that this kind of disaster is poised to really happen because of a large piece of a volcano that is poised to plunge into the sea.
If you think the big tides and flooding from the hurricanes are bad, consider a “mega tsunami,” a massive wall of water sweeping across the Atlantic at speeds of over 500 miles-per-hour and striking the entire east coast of the United States. It could happen. Not only affecting the Americas, but a similar wave also would slam into the British Isles, the entire western coasts of Europe, Africa, South America and the Caribbean Islands, destroying everything in its path. Scientists warn that this kind of disaster is poised to really happen because of a large piece of a volcano that is poised to plunge into the sea.
Do Plants Think? Scientists Are Beginning To Believe It
A recent article in the Christian Science Monitor reports on new research by scientists in “the evolving paradigm of plant intelligence.” The story by Patrik Jonsson notes that some scientists believe plants are capable of carefully considering their environment, speculating on the future, conquering territory and enemies, “and are often capable of forethought – revelations that could affect everyone from gardeners to philosophers.” Jonsson added that the research has opened “a sprouting debate over the nature of intelligence itself.”
A recent article in the Christian Science Monitor reports on new research by scientists in “the evolving paradigm of plant intelligence.” The story by Patrik Jonsson notes that some scientists believe plants are capable of carefully considering their environment, speculating on the future, conquering territory and enemies, “and are often capable of forethought – revelations that could affect everyone from gardeners to philosophers.” Jonsson added that the research has opened “a sprouting debate over the nature of intelligence itself.”
The Looming High Water Crisis
The statistics published this year by Gary Griggs, an earth sciences professor at Santa Cruz’ University of California, puts the treat of our melting ice caps and glaciers in dramatic perspective. In his book, Coasts in Crisis; A Global Challenge, Griggs lays out a gloomy future for everybody living in cities and communities along the coasts of the world. He notes: “With about 150 million living within just three feet of high tide, and hundreds of millions more within a few more feet, future sea-level rise may be the greatest challenge human civilization has ever faced.”
The statistics published this year by Gary Griggs, an earth sciences professor at Santa Cruz’ University of California, puts the treat of our melting ice caps and glaciers in dramatic perspective. In his book, Coasts in Crisis; A Global Challenge, Griggs lays out a gloomy future for everybody living in cities and communities along the coasts of the world. He notes: “With about 150 million living within just three feet of high tide, and hundreds of millions more within a few more feet, future sea-level rise may be the greatest challenge human civilization has ever faced.”
The Interacting Universe Is Alive And Watching
How insignificant the mighty affairs of man become when stacked up beside the actions of our living universe. While world leaders debate the reality of years of scientific warnings concerning the effects of carbon and methane gasses building up in our atmosphere, we are being bombarded with some of the worst storms, floods, droughts and heat in recorded history. Yet global warming deniers, prompted by the financial rewards pouring in from oil, gas and coal enterprises, are still blocking the extreme actions that might yet save us from extinction. It isn’t that the Universe hasn’t issued an earlier warning. While our leaders wrestled with threats of nuclear war, an overpopulated planet, loss of natural resources and environmental pollution, the Mother Earth flexed a muscle on Dec. 26, 2004, and sent out a massive earthquake so strong it unleashed one of the worst tsunamis to sweep the Indian Ocean in history. The force of the water devastated the Sumatra coast and over 240,000 people died.
How insignificant the mighty affairs of man become when stacked up beside the actions of our living universe. While world leaders debate the reality of years of scientific warnings concerning the effects of carbon and methane gasses building up in our atmosphere, we are being bombarded with some of the worst storms, floods, droughts and heat in recorded history. Yet global warming deniers, prompted by the financial rewards pouring in from oil, gas and coal enterprises, are still blocking the extreme actions that might yet save us from extinction. It isn’t that the Universe hasn’t issued an earlier warning. While our leaders wrestled with threats of nuclear war, an overpopulated planet, loss of natural resources and environmental pollution, the Mother Earth flexed a muscle on Dec. 26, 2004, and sent out a massive earthquake so strong it unleashed one of the worst tsunamis to sweep the Indian Ocean in history. The force of the water devastated the Sumatra coast and over 240,000 people died.
Hurricane Harvey A Prelude to Future Horrors
Even as Hurricane Harvey was battering Houston and Galveston, dumping volumes of rain all along the Gulf coast, the National Weather Service was describing this storm as “epic” and “catastrophic.” Indeed this storm was unprecedented as it danced its way along the coast for three terrible days, moving back over New Orleans before working its way inland, carrying its havoc with it. As that vicious storm was sweeping its way northeast across the landscape, yet a second storm, already identified as Hurricane Irma, is already building in the Atlantic and making its way due West toward the Gulf. And Tropical Storm Lidia was slamming the Baja Peninsula and the west coast of Northern Mexico. Is this the beginning of a season of extreme terror?
Even as Hurricane Harvey was battering Houston and Galveston, dumping volumes of rain all along the Gulf coast, the National Weather Service was describing this storm as “epic” and “catastrophic.” Indeed this storm was unprecedented as it danced its way along the coast for three terrible days, moving back over New Orleans before working its way inland, carrying its havoc with it. As that vicious storm was sweeping its way northeast across the landscape, yet a second storm, already identified as Hurricane Irma, is already building in the Atlantic and making its way due West toward the Gulf. And Tropical Storm Lidia was slamming the Baja Peninsula and the west coast of Northern Mexico. Is this the beginning of a season of extreme terror?
Looming Cost of Saving Earth: $535 Trillion
It seems that only a few years ago that climate scientists were calculating the cost of capping the world’s greenhouse gasses and getting the heating of our planet under control was an estimated $1 trillion. That was in 2006 with figures based on a comprehensive study by PricewaterhouseCoopers. It seemed like a very big price tag at the time. We didn't act and things have gotten much worse. A new study by researchers from the United States, France, China, the United Kingdom and Australia, and led by Professor James Hansen, director of the U.S. space agency NASA’s Institute for Space Studies, and professor at Columbia University’s Earth Institute, now puts that new price tag on maintaining a habitable temperature at a whopping $535 trillion.
It seems that only a few years ago that climate scientists were calculating the cost of capping the world’s greenhouse gasses and getting the heating of our planet under control was an estimated $1 trillion. That was in 2006 with figures based on a comprehensive study by PricewaterhouseCoopers. It seemed like a very big price tag at the time. We didn't act and things have gotten much worse. A new study by researchers from the United States, France, China, the United Kingdom and Australia, and led by Professor James Hansen, director of the U.S. space agency NASA’s Institute for Space Studies, and professor at Columbia University’s Earth Institute, now puts that new price tag on maintaining a habitable temperature at a whopping $535 trillion.
Dumping Nuke Waste On Lake Huron Coast
One might think that with all of the world concern about dealing with our polluted and overcrowded planet that everyone . . . even big business leaders . . . would be giving serious thought to the disposal of industrial waste. And after the disasters at Fukushima, Japan, and Chernobyl, Ukraine the handling of nuclear plant waste would be getting extra careful handling. Not so with officials at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in Ontario, Canada, it seems. That company, which operates the Bruce Power nuclear complex on the coast of Lake Huron, near Kincardine, wants to dump an estimated 200,000 cubic meters of radioactive waste in a rock-lined repository right in the heart of the complex and within a few hundred feet of the lake.
One might think that with all of the world concern about dealing with our polluted and overcrowded planet that everyone . . . even big business leaders . . . would be giving serious thought to the disposal of industrial waste. And after the disasters at Fukushima, Japan, and Chernobyl, Ukraine the handling of nuclear plant waste would be getting extra careful handling. Not so with officials at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in Ontario, Canada, it seems. That company, which operates the Bruce Power nuclear complex on the coast of Lake Huron, near Kincardine, wants to dump an estimated 200,000 cubic meters of radioactive waste in a rock-lined repository right in the heart of the complex and within a few hundred feet of the lake.
Melting Ice Caps, Anthrax and Thunder
Natives and animals living in the Siberian and Canadian Arctic tundra are experiencing something they have never seen or heard before. . . violent explosions, deadly attacks of anthrax, storms and thunder and lightning. Electric storms in the High Arctic are among a growing list of climate changes linked to global warming according to a study by the International Institute for Sustainable Development in Winnipeg. Researchers for the institute lived with the Inuit tribes to intensively document aboriginal knowledge of changes occurring in the Arctic environment. What they learned should be a shock to the people who still question the validity of claims that the earth is getting hotter.
Natives and animals living in the Siberian and Canadian Arctic tundra are experiencing something they have never seen or heard before. . . violent explosions, deadly attacks of anthrax, storms and thunder and lightning. Electric storms in the High Arctic are among a growing list of climate changes linked to global warming according to a study by the International Institute for Sustainable Development in Winnipeg. Researchers for the institute lived with the Inuit tribes to intensively document aboriginal knowledge of changes occurring in the Arctic environment. What they learned should be a shock to the people who still question the validity of claims that the earth is getting hotter.
San Onofre – Another Nuclear Disaster Waiting to Happen?
The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) is a massive three-generating plant complex located right on the Pacific Coast in San Diego County. Because of radioactive leaks and other problems the facility has been shut down on an “emergency basis” since 2012. But the place is filled with millions of pounds of highly radioactive waste that remains a constant threat to the eight million people living within 50 miles of the facility and millions more living in nearby San Clemente, San Diego and adjoining communities.
The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) is a massive three-generating plant complex located right on the Pacific Coast in San Diego County. Because of radioactive leaks and other problems the facility has been shut down on an “emergency basis” since 2012. But the place is filled with millions of pounds of highly radioactive waste that remains a constant threat to the eight million people living within 50 miles of the facility and millions more living in nearby San Clemente, San Diego and adjoining communities.
Protecting The Global Seed Vaults
Something interesting is happening all over the world. As corporations like Monsanto work to genetically modify the crop seeds our farmers use and cross pollination is causing a mass destruction of the natural seed stock and even the weeds, environmental groups are busy gathering and storing pure seed for the future. The most celebrated Doomsday Vault on an icy island off the Norway coast, however, is now flooding due to the warming planet. Can the seeds be protected?
Something interesting is happening all over the world. As corporations like Monsanto work to genetically modify the crop seeds our farmers use and cross pollination is causing a mass destruction of the natural seed stock and even the weeds, environmental groups are busy gathering and storing pure seed for the future. The most celebrated Doomsday Vault on an icy island off the Norway coast, however, is now flooding due to the warming planet. Can the seeds be protected?
Illegally Dumped Sludge
North Dakota Fracking Waste Is Radioactive!
A shocking report by Alexis Bonogofsky that recently appeared in Truthout reveals that the crude oil produced by North Dakota fracking has been creating another side effect that promises to be more dangerous than potential pipeline oil leaks in local lakes and rivers. It seems that the very process of fracking, at least in the Bakken field, is occurring in a geologic formation that contains both oil and gas deposits but also naturally occurring radionuclides. These include uranium, thorium, radium, potassium, lead-210 and polonium-210. Thus the waste from the Bakken fracking is laced with radioactive material, which is being dumped in North Dakota landfills.
A shocking report by Alexis Bonogofsky that recently appeared in Truthout reveals that the crude oil produced by North Dakota fracking has been creating another side effect that promises to be more dangerous than potential pipeline oil leaks in local lakes and rivers. It seems that the very process of fracking, at least in the Bakken field, is occurring in a geologic formation that contains both oil and gas deposits but also naturally occurring radionuclides. These include uranium, thorium, radium, potassium, lead-210 and polonium-210. Thus the waste from the Bakken fracking is laced with radioactive material, which is being dumped in North Dakota landfills.
Adopt Your Own Piece of Our Planet
Today, April 22, is Earth Day. And in recognition of this special day, NASA is inviting people to go on line and sign up to adopt a piece of our great planet. No, you don’t get to own it. Just as NASA doesn't have the legal rights to give a piece of it to you. The adoption is all symbolic; although it apparently is going into a computer and if you sign up, your name will be attached to a parcel of Mother Earth that is about 55 miles square. There are 64,000 parcels to go around.
Today, April 22, is Earth Day. And in recognition of this special day, NASA is inviting people to go on line and sign up to adopt a piece of our great planet. No, you don’t get to own it. Just as NASA doesn't have the legal rights to give a piece of it to you. The adoption is all symbolic; although it apparently is going into a computer and if you sign up, your name will be attached to a parcel of Mother Earth that is about 55 miles square. There are 64,000 parcels to go around.
Some Exciting New Green Energy Ideas
In spite of efforts by President Donald Trump and his gang of climate change deniers, the world is shifting rapidly away from dependence on fossil fuels. Researchers are discovering better ways to utilize green renewable energies and make them less costly than coal, oil and natural gas.
In spite of efforts by President Donald Trump and his gang of climate change deniers, the world is shifting rapidly away from dependence on fossil fuels. Researchers are discovering better ways to utilize green renewable energies and make them less costly than coal, oil and natural gas.
Is Italy’s Super Volcano Campi Flegrei Awakening?
There are a handful of so-called known “super volcanos” that have the potential of killing large portions of the world’s population if they ever come awake. Yellowstone in the United States is one of them. Another is Campi Flegrei at Naples, Italy. Both are murmuring this year. Both have volcanologists nervously watching them for further signs of trouble. The Campi Flegrei volcano is discerning because it is located right under a heavily populated area surrounding the Gulf of Pozzuoli, about nine kilometers west of Naples and just 125 miles south of Rome.
There are a handful of so-called known “super volcanos” that have the potential of killing large portions of the world’s population if they ever come awake. Yellowstone in the United States is one of them. Another is Campi Flegrei at Naples, Italy. Both are murmuring this year. Both have volcanologists nervously watching them for further signs of trouble. The Campi Flegrei volcano is discerning because it is located right under a heavily populated area surrounding the Gulf of Pozzuoli, about nine kilometers west of Naples and just 125 miles south of Rome.
Heating Oceans Now Creating "Extraordinary" Effects
The world's oceans are vast and deep so it has taken a few years for all that water to absorb the heat from our warming planet. But now that the water temperatures are spiking, the effects are being felt in a variety of unexpected ways. The most dramatic effect is being experienced in what meteorologists are dubbing "weather change." Indeed, the mild weather patterns we have long known and loved are disappearing. In their place we are experiencing intense storms or intense drought. Other more subtle things are happening in our oceans.
The world's oceans are vast and deep so it has taken a few years for all that water to absorb the heat from our warming planet. But now that the water temperatures are spiking, the effects are being felt in a variety of unexpected ways. The most dramatic effect is being experienced in what meteorologists are dubbing "weather change." Indeed, the mild weather patterns we have long known and loved are disappearing. In their place we are experiencing intense storms or intense drought. Other more subtle things are happening in our oceans.
The Fukushima Disaster Just Keeps Getting Worse
The lack of disaster news and the reports that farmers around the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plants in Japan were recently given permission to return to their land may have given the impression that the crisis at the three melted-down power plants is easing. But don’t let the stories fool you. New reports this week suggest that the Fukushima disaster is not over. If anything it is intensifying, plant number two just went into total melt-down, and a leaking water tank is spilling water so toxic that it will kill any living thing that comes near it. And that water continues to stream daily into the vast Pacific Ocean.
The lack of disaster news and the reports that farmers around the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plants in Japan were recently given permission to return to their land may have given the impression that the crisis at the three melted-down power plants is easing. But don’t let the stories fool you. New reports this week suggest that the Fukushima disaster is not over. If anything it is intensifying, plant number two just went into total melt-down, and a leaking water tank is spilling water so toxic that it will kill any living thing that comes near it. And that water continues to stream daily into the vast Pacific Ocean.
Dealing With The Horrors Of A Dying Planet
Humans are animals, and in the animal kingdom, all creatures except perhaps the ostrich always respond dramatically to threats of danger. What is there in the human thought process that causes us to ignore or declare disbelief in threats so terrible they obviously threaten our lives, our life style and perhaps the extinction of us all? Notice how the debate over global warming, alias climate change, still goes on even as the world now suffers horrific storms, drought, summer heat and winter blizzards that not only compare to the worst weather events in history, but break all records. We debate the reality of this problem even as the mountain glaciers and polar ice caps melt and ocean water levels now threaten our coastal cities.
Humans are animals, and in the animal kingdom, all creatures except perhaps the ostrich always respond dramatically to threats of danger. What is there in the human thought process that causes us to ignore or declare disbelief in threats so terrible they obviously threaten our lives, our life style and perhaps the extinction of us all? Notice how the debate over global warming, alias climate change, still goes on even as the world now suffers horrific storms, drought, summer heat and winter blizzards that not only compare to the worst weather events in history, but break all records. We debate the reality of this problem even as the mountain glaciers and polar ice caps melt and ocean water levels now threaten our coastal cities.
The Fight against Carbon Fuels Is Not Over
The temporary backdown at Standing Rock after weeks of mass public demonstrations was not really a victory for the environmental activists. Not only is the Standing Rock issue still unresolved, but writer Alexandra Rosenmann notes in a recent report for AlterNet that beyond North Dakota, activists in 10 other states are also fighting to block similar pipeline construction projects.
The temporary backdown at Standing Rock after weeks of mass public demonstrations was not really a victory for the environmental activists. Not only is the Standing Rock issue still unresolved, but writer Alexandra Rosenmann notes in a recent report for AlterNet that beyond North Dakota, activists in 10 other states are also fighting to block similar pipeline construction projects.
America’s Radiated Drinking Water
It is bad enough that the people are fighting the big oil and gas companies to stop the fracking and construction of leaky pipelines to transport the toxic materials pumping from the earth. The media appears to have forgotten the story but the Fukushima nuclear plant meltdown continues to spread deadly radiation around the Northern Hemisphere of the world. It is not only in the air we breathe, but now it is found in the ground and in the water we drink.
It is bad enough that the people are fighting the big oil and gas companies to stop the fracking and construction of leaky pipelines to transport the toxic materials pumping from the earth. The media appears to have forgotten the story but the Fukushima nuclear plant meltdown continues to spread deadly radiation around the Northern Hemisphere of the world. It is not only in the air we breathe, but now it is found in the ground and in the water we drink.
Acidic Waters Killing The Marine Food Chain
A well-written report by Ian Sample, Science Correspondent for the UK Guardian, outlined a decade ago how rising carbon dioxide levels from industrial pollution in our atmosphere is increasing the acidic content of the oceans and killing the tiny marine organisms at the bottom of the food chain. That report alone should have shaken world leaders enough to have launched an international crusade to stop emissions of carbon based fuels. Many were hearing the warnings but the U.S. leadership under then President George W. Bush, turned a deaf ear.
A well-written report by Ian Sample, Science Correspondent for the UK Guardian, outlined a decade ago how rising carbon dioxide levels from industrial pollution in our atmosphere is increasing the acidic content of the oceans and killing the tiny marine organisms at the bottom of the food chain. That report alone should have shaken world leaders enough to have launched an international crusade to stop emissions of carbon based fuels. Many were hearing the warnings but the U.S. leadership under then President George W. Bush, turned a deaf ear.
China's 46,298 Glaciers Are Melting - All Of Them
China is such a vast nation, and blessed with so many majestic mountain ranges, that its people have enjoyed no less than 46,298 glaciers. For centuries these massive blocks of ice, high on the peaks, have drained and provided fresh clean water for the farmers, villagers and townspeople on the lands below. Now, because of our polluted air, global warming and dynamic weather changes, those glaciers are on melt-down. Every single one of them. There is a general warning that at the rate the glaciers are receding, they will all be gone within the next 100 years; or possibly in less time than that.
China is such a vast nation, and blessed with so many majestic mountain ranges, that its people have enjoyed no less than 46,298 glaciers. For centuries these massive blocks of ice, high on the peaks, have drained and provided fresh clean water for the farmers, villagers and townspeople on the lands below. Now, because of our polluted air, global warming and dynamic weather changes, those glaciers are on melt-down. Every single one of them. There is a general warning that at the rate the glaciers are receding, they will all be gone within the next 100 years; or possibly in less time than that.
Recycled Radioactive Waste In Our Homes
If you have purchased something "new" for your home recently, it might be a good idea to have a geiger counter handy. It appears that many of the household products we are buying are being manufactured from the tons of radioactive waste that have been piling up since we began manufacturing atomic bombs and building nuclear powered ships and electric generating plants.
If you have purchased something "new" for your home recently, it might be a good idea to have a geiger counter handy. It appears that many of the household products we are buying are being manufactured from the tons of radioactive waste that have been piling up since we began manufacturing atomic bombs and building nuclear powered ships and electric generating plants.
Poisoning Our Food And Water
A recent article by Mike Adams, editor of Natural News, puts it all in perspective. He wrote: "As human beings, we’re the only species stupid enough to actually poison ourselves . . . we create a wide variety of chemical toxins that go into the ecosystem through rivers and streams, the air, the soil. Not only that, we actually synthesize toxic chemicals and then inject them directly into the food supply – knowing full well that they are poisonous and are major contributors to the epidemic rates of chronic disease we are experiencing today."
A recent article by Mike Adams, editor of Natural News, puts it all in perspective. He wrote: "As human beings, we’re the only species stupid enough to actually poison ourselves . . . we create a wide variety of chemical toxins that go into the ecosystem through rivers and streams, the air, the soil. Not only that, we actually synthesize toxic chemicals and then inject them directly into the food supply – knowing full well that they are poisonous and are major contributors to the epidemic rates of chronic disease we are experiencing today."
Reporters Arrested at Dakota Nuke Protest
Documentary news reporters and camera crews recording the ongoing community protests at oil pipeline construction sites in North Dakota and other areas are in court this month fighting charges of criminal trespassing and felony conspiracy. Their defense is that their First Amendment rights have been challenged.
Documentary news reporters and camera crews recording the ongoing community protests at oil pipeline construction sites in North Dakota and other areas are in court this month fighting charges of criminal trespassing and felony conspiracy. Their defense is that their First Amendment rights have been challenged.
Dakota Pipeline Protest Heating Up
North Dakota police armed with military vehicles, helicopters, assault rifles and riot gear raided a Lakota-Sioux prayer gathering at the protest site of the Dakota Access pipeline Wednesday. No shots were fired but there were reports of an aerial spray and teargas. Up to 21 participants were arrested, one news report stated.
North Dakota police armed with military vehicles, helicopters, assault rifles and riot gear raided a Lakota-Sioux prayer gathering at the protest site of the Dakota Access pipeline Wednesday. No shots were fired but there were reports of an aerial spray and teargas. Up to 21 participants were arrested, one news report stated.
Toxic Evils of Halliburton
If you think Monsanto is an evil corporation because of what that company has been doing to the world food supply, consider the secret operations of Halliburton & Co. Halliburton has established a non-stoppable radioactive disaster that has been actively destroying our nation’s underground fresh water supply.
If you think Monsanto is an evil corporation because of what that company has been doing to the world food supply, consider the secret operations of Halliburton & Co. Halliburton has established a non-stoppable radioactive disaster that has been actively destroying our nation’s underground fresh water supply.
Why The Destruction of our Forests Matters
The University of Queensland, Australia, recently conducted an international study that found that one-tenth of the wilderness on Earth has been destroyed in the last 20 years. A ten percent loss in trees and other green vegetation may not seem to be much, but a continued slashing of trees, coupled with attacks by infestation and disease brought on by global warming, is intensifying the looming crisis we are referring to as “climate change.” Humanity and trees have maintained an incredible symbiotic relationship for hundreds of thousands of years. The destruction of our forests is threatening this planet’s ability to sustain the delicate balance of nature that makes it possible for life to exist.
The University of Queensland, Australia, recently conducted an international study that found that one-tenth of the wilderness on Earth has been destroyed in the last 20 years. A ten percent loss in trees and other green vegetation may not seem to be much, but a continued slashing of trees, coupled with attacks by infestation and disease brought on by global warming, is intensifying the looming crisis we are referring to as “climate change.” Humanity and trees have maintained an incredible symbiotic relationship for hundreds of thousands of years. The destruction of our forests is threatening this planet’s ability to sustain the delicate balance of nature that makes it possible for life to exist.
Thawing Arctic Exposing Nuke Horrors
When I was in high school a new science teacher, David Shave, came into my life. We didn’t know much about him except that because of a shortage of science teachers that year, he reportedly got a special deferment from a military station at Thule Greenland to fill the gap for that season. He didn’t tell us anything about what he was doing in Greenland except that it was a cold, miserable place and he couldn’t wait to get away from there. I suspect he pulled every string he could to acquire that deferment. Now the mystery about what Dave might have been doing at Thule is beginning to unravel. And it is clearly understandable why he wanted to get away from that place. They were tinkering with nuclear weaponry.
When I was in high school a new science teacher, David Shave, came into my life. We didn’t know much about him except that because of a shortage of science teachers that year, he reportedly got a special deferment from a military station at Thule Greenland to fill the gap for that season. He didn’t tell us anything about what he was doing in Greenland except that it was a cold, miserable place and he couldn’t wait to get away from there. I suspect he pulled every string he could to acquire that deferment. Now the mystery about what Dave might have been doing at Thule is beginning to unravel. And it is clearly understandable why he wanted to get away from that place. They were tinkering with nuclear weaponry.
Favorite Swimming Spots Closed
The weather change phenomenon is producing hotter than normal summer days. The heat is driving people to their favorite cooling-off spots; local beaches, lakes and swimming holes. Ironically the warming climate is contributing to a build-up of toxins that are forcing health officials to close those swimming spots. Your best bet is to stay home and take a chance with Legionnaires Disease under your old air conditioning unit.
The weather change phenomenon is producing hotter than normal summer days. The heat is driving people to their favorite cooling-off spots; local beaches, lakes and swimming holes. Ironically the warming climate is contributing to a build-up of toxins that are forcing health officials to close those swimming spots. Your best bet is to stay home and take a chance with Legionnaires Disease under your old air conditioning unit.
Two Feet of Rain in Louisiana
Weather Change; What Weather Change?
The corporate-owned media has all but ignored the Louisiana flood disaster. Most people in the United States probably know little or nothing about it, but the destruction from the sudden dumping of two feet of rain in less than three days can be compared with Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, except it has no name and did not involve a massive whirling storm with a name. Another disaster story you may not know much about . . . most of the State of California is burning. We know about it because the fires are occurring almost in our own back yard. We breathe the smoke daily.
The corporate-owned media has all but ignored the Louisiana flood disaster. Most people in the United States probably know little or nothing about it, but the destruction from the sudden dumping of two feet of rain in less than three days can be compared with Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, except it has no name and did not involve a massive whirling storm with a name. Another disaster story you may not know much about . . . most of the State of California is burning. We know about it because the fires are occurring almost in our own back yard. We breathe the smoke daily.
The World’s Water Crisis 2016
The revelation that citizens of Flint Michigan were being poisoned by toxic drinking water has turned out to be an epiphany to the rest of the nation. It is turning out that few U.S. city water systems are equipped to handle the deluge of new and deadly toxins now leaching into the world water supplies. Lead leaching from aging water lines, industrial, agricultural and sewage run-off, and now crude oil and radiation contamination in the world oceans and chemicals from gas company fracking is making clean fresh drinking water almost impossible to find.
The revelation that citizens of Flint Michigan were being poisoned by toxic drinking water has turned out to be an epiphany to the rest of the nation. It is turning out that few U.S. city water systems are equipped to handle the deluge of new and deadly toxins now leaching into the world water supplies. Lead leaching from aging water lines, industrial, agricultural and sewage run-off, and now crude oil and radiation contamination in the world oceans and chemicals from gas company fracking is making clean fresh drinking water almost impossible to find.
Will the Paris Climate Agreement Save Us?
In spite of political characters like Donald Trump, who still say publicly that they believe climate change and global warming is a hoax, world leaders within the United Nations have been concerned enough to gather collectively 11 times since the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to control carbon emissions was reached in Japan. The Bush Administration refused to sign that agreement so the world's largest carbon polluter did not participate. The 2015 Paris Agreement is now a new push to generate a green energy system and try to stop the radically changing weather patterns. Its success may depend heavily on US voters in November.
In spite of political characters like Donald Trump, who still say publicly that they believe climate change and global warming is a hoax, world leaders within the United Nations have been concerned enough to gather collectively 11 times since the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to control carbon emissions was reached in Japan. The Bush Administration refused to sign that agreement so the world's largest carbon polluter did not participate. The 2015 Paris Agreement is now a new push to generate a green energy system and try to stop the radically changing weather patterns. Its success may depend heavily on US voters in November.
Extreme Flooding Should Be Big News
If you are in the storm and struggling to save your family, your home and escape alive it is big news for you and the people around you. But for the media the headlines are still focused this week on Donald Trump, the Rio Paralympics and of course, Pokemon.
For those of us not living in the storm laced areas, finding news of the flooding disasters if very difficult. We notice that the candidates are not talking much about climate change. It seems to be a topic that the politicians, the weather people and the media in general have been forbidden to talk or write about.
If you are in the storm and struggling to save your family, your home and escape alive it is big news for you and the people around you. But for the media the headlines are still focused this week on Donald Trump, the Rio Paralympics and of course, Pokemon.
For those of us not living in the storm laced areas, finding news of the flooding disasters if very difficult. We notice that the candidates are not talking much about climate change. It seems to be a topic that the politicians, the weather people and the media in general have been forbidden to talk or write about.
A Trillion Dollars To Cap Emissions
A comprehensive study by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2006 laid bare the damage to our planet by the world-wide industrial revolution that began in Europe and the United States and continues expanding at this hour in China, India and Latin American nations in South America. The report suggested an overall estimated cost of $1 trillion to cap the greenhouse gasses that most scientists now agree is a major cause, if not the cause of global warming. The report also warns that the volume of these toxic gas emissions will double by 2050 unless rich countries agree to take “significant” policy steps to cut energy use.
A comprehensive study by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2006 laid bare the damage to our planet by the world-wide industrial revolution that began in Europe and the United States and continues expanding at this hour in China, India and Latin American nations in South America. The report suggested an overall estimated cost of $1 trillion to cap the greenhouse gasses that most scientists now agree is a major cause, if not the cause of global warming. The report also warns that the volume of these toxic gas emissions will double by 2050 unless rich countries agree to take “significant” policy steps to cut energy use.
U.S. Sailors Dying After Exposure At Fukushima
It’s a horror story that hasn’t been making headlines in the United States for troublesome political reasons. At last count an estimated 400 U.S. Navy sailors are either dead, dying or being treated for nuclear poisoning after the ships they served on took them into a deadly radiation cloud at Fukushima in 2011. At last count over 100 of those families affected by the disaster have filed a class action lawsuit against Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the numbers continue to climb. An estimated 77,000 U.S. sailors and marines participated in a two-month-long relief effort called Operation Tomodaci after three TEPCO nuclear plants were destroyed by a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami.
It’s a horror story that hasn’t been making headlines in the United States for troublesome political reasons. At last count an estimated 400 U.S. Navy sailors are either dead, dying or being treated for nuclear poisoning after the ships they served on took them into a deadly radiation cloud at Fukushima in 2011. At last count over 100 of those families affected by the disaster have filed a class action lawsuit against Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the numbers continue to climb. An estimated 77,000 U.S. sailors and marines participated in a two-month-long relief effort called Operation Tomodaci after three TEPCO nuclear plants were destroyed by a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami.
The Amazing Intelligence of Plants
There was a time when I cut down trees and chopped wood to heat my home. Yet even as I worked in the forest on the back acres of my father’s Michigan farm I sensed awareness among the trees and plants of my presence. Out of a respect for the natural order of things, I suppose, my father, who worked with me, and I chose to aim our chainsaws at the older, larger trees, giving the young trees light and room to flourish. We never clear-cut the forest. If we found a fallen tree after a storm, that was what was cut. We never dreamed that what we were doing was exciting the forest, however.
There was a time when I cut down trees and chopped wood to heat my home. Yet even as I worked in the forest on the back acres of my father’s Michigan farm I sensed awareness among the trees and plants of my presence. Out of a respect for the natural order of things, I suppose, my father, who worked with me, and I chose to aim our chainsaws at the older, larger trees, giving the young trees light and room to flourish. We never clear-cut the forest. If we found a fallen tree after a storm, that was what was cut. We never dreamed that what we were doing was exciting the forest, however.
Behold: The Deadly Violent Weather
We are feeling fortunate this year as we report from our snug dwelling along the Pacific Coast of California, tucked under a weather vortex caused by the cool ocean westerly breezes and nightly fogs that keep vegetation green and lush. But all around us folks are feeling the extreme heat of our warming planet and the ultra-dry forests are burning. The weather reports from around the world last week were extremely frightening. Things are getting worse with every passing week.
We are feeling fortunate this year as we report from our snug dwelling along the Pacific Coast of California, tucked under a weather vortex caused by the cool ocean westerly breezes and nightly fogs that keep vegetation green and lush. But all around us folks are feeling the extreme heat of our warming planet and the ultra-dry forests are burning. The weather reports from around the world last week were extremely frightening. Things are getting worse with every passing week.
By-Product of Fluoride; Greenhouse Gas - SF6
A combination of six parts of fluoride and one part of sulfur creates a gas known as SF6 which is being used to make those "air cushioned" shoes and compressed canisters for inflating automobile tires. The electric companies also are using the stuff, under the name sulfur hexafluoride, to insulate high voltage lines, circuit breakers and other equipment used in electricity transmission. So why should this information be of interest to us? It is because SF6 is found to be an extremely stable gas, with a life span of at least 3,000 years, and it traps a fantastic amount of heat. As it escapes into the Earth's atmosphere, it becomes another greenhouse gas that is a major contributor to the overall warming of the planet.
A combination of six parts of fluoride and one part of sulfur creates a gas known as SF6 which is being used to make those "air cushioned" shoes and compressed canisters for inflating automobile tires. The electric companies also are using the stuff, under the name sulfur hexafluoride, to insulate high voltage lines, circuit breakers and other equipment used in electricity transmission. So why should this information be of interest to us? It is because SF6 is found to be an extremely stable gas, with a life span of at least 3,000 years, and it traps a fantastic amount of heat. As it escapes into the Earth's atmosphere, it becomes another greenhouse gas that is a major contributor to the overall warming of the planet.
Is Aerial Radiation Killing Us All?
The good news: it appears that the insects and some animals are adapting to the high radiation assaults from the Chernobyl and Fukushima meltdowns in the Ukraine and Japan. The bad news is that the aerial high radiation assault from these and other sources may be having a deadly long-range impact on humanity all over the world. There may be nowhere left that is safe from high exposure.
The good news: it appears that the insects and some animals are adapting to the high radiation assaults from the Chernobyl and Fukushima meltdowns in the Ukraine and Japan. The bad news is that the aerial high radiation assault from these and other sources may be having a deadly long-range impact on humanity all over the world. There may be nowhere left that is safe from high exposure.
Toxic Air Found Related To Brain Disorders
Those tiny particles of toxic material, metals and radiation floating in the air we breathe have been found to exacerbate respiratory illness ranging from asthma to lung cancer. Researchers have long suspected they might be related to a variety of other disorders like heart disease and even obesity. New cutting-edge research has now linked these particles to degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Those tiny particles of toxic material, metals and radiation floating in the air we breathe have been found to exacerbate respiratory illness ranging from asthma to lung cancer. Researchers have long suspected they might be related to a variety of other disorders like heart disease and even obesity. New cutting-edge research has now linked these particles to degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The Insanity Of Fracking
Drilling companies have been fracturing oil wells almost since the first wells were drilled in the mid-1800's. In those days they used dynamite or nitroglycerin dropped in shallow, hard rock oil wells to crack the rock and stimulate the flow of crude oil and natural gas. This new practice of fracking, however, is not good for the environment, and it is destroying what is left of America’s precious fresh water supply. That is because fracking involves the pumping of millions of gallons of water mixed with chemicals and sand, at high pressure, to break up rocks and release hydrocarbons. The process also produces toxic gases that are released in the air, and there is extreme ground pollution. Why do we do it when we no longer need the oil?
Drilling companies have been fracturing oil wells almost since the first wells were drilled in the mid-1800's. In those days they used dynamite or nitroglycerin dropped in shallow, hard rock oil wells to crack the rock and stimulate the flow of crude oil and natural gas. This new practice of fracking, however, is not good for the environment, and it is destroying what is left of America’s precious fresh water supply. That is because fracking involves the pumping of millions of gallons of water mixed with chemicals and sand, at high pressure, to break up rocks and release hydrocarbons. The process also produces toxic gases that are released in the air, and there is extreme ground pollution. Why do we do it when we no longer need the oil?
Equatorial Heat May Soon Spark Mass Exodus
There are perhaps billions of people living in what some researchers are perceiving as “climate change hotspots” where extreme periods of heat may soon prove to be too brutal to sustain life. This is the finding in a recent study by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany and the Cyprus Institute in Nicosia, Cyprus “Prolonged heat waves and desert dust storms can render some regions uninhabitable,” warned Jos Lelieveld, director of the Max Planck Institute and lead author of the study which was published in the journal Climate Change.
There are perhaps billions of people living in what some researchers are perceiving as “climate change hotspots” where extreme periods of heat may soon prove to be too brutal to sustain life. This is the finding in a recent study by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany and the Cyprus Institute in Nicosia, Cyprus “Prolonged heat waves and desert dust storms can render some regions uninhabitable,” warned Jos Lelieveld, director of the Max Planck Institute and lead author of the study which was published in the journal Climate Change.
Rising Seas Now Claiming Pacific Islands
Five uninhabited and low-lying islands in the Solomon archipelago have been overwhelmed by rising sea levels as world ice caps continue to melt, researchers in Australia have found. Six more islands in the chain have sustained flooding that has destroyed homes and forced natives to move to higher ground. The Solomon Islands is a sovereign country consisting of six major islands and nearly a thousand smaller islands covering about 11,000 square miles.
Five uninhabited and low-lying islands in the Solomon archipelago have been overwhelmed by rising sea levels as world ice caps continue to melt, researchers in Australia have found. Six more islands in the chain have sustained flooding that has destroyed homes and forced natives to move to higher ground. The Solomon Islands is a sovereign country consisting of six major islands and nearly a thousand smaller islands covering about 11,000 square miles.
Has Fukushima Disaster Destroyed Japan?
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) recently completed what may be described as a “last-ditch effort” to contain leaking radioactive water from the company’s four damaged plants at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power facility. The company spent $312 million building a mile-long underground refrigeration system around the crippled reactors in an attempt to create an “ice wall” that might stop the volumes of radioactive water that have been leaking into the Pacific Ocean. Within days after turning on the massive refrigeration system, company officials revealed that it failed. The disaster thus continues to spread unchecked into the Pacific Ocean, throughout Japan and around the planet.
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) recently completed what may be described as a “last-ditch effort” to contain leaking radioactive water from the company’s four damaged plants at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power facility. The company spent $312 million building a mile-long underground refrigeration system around the crippled reactors in an attempt to create an “ice wall” that might stop the volumes of radioactive water that have been leaking into the Pacific Ocean. Within days after turning on the massive refrigeration system, company officials revealed that it failed. The disaster thus continues to spread unchecked into the Pacific Ocean, throughout Japan and around the planet.
Is It Runaway Global Warming Now?
When the term “global warming” first started to be an issue near the end of the Twentieth Century, noted physicist Stephen Hawking warned that failure to control our use of fossil fuels could lead to a runaway warming scenario that could wipe out all life on Earth. It seemed that nobody was listening; or if they were, they were not willing to take Hawking’s warning seriously. We wasted years when we could have been working to save ourselves. Is it now too late?
When the term “global warming” first started to be an issue near the end of the Twentieth Century, noted physicist Stephen Hawking warned that failure to control our use of fossil fuels could lead to a runaway warming scenario that could wipe out all life on Earth. It seemed that nobody was listening; or if they were, they were not willing to take Hawking’s warning seriously. We wasted years when we could have been working to save ourselves. Is it now too late?
The Global Warming Issue Is Getting Terrifying!
While most Americans and the U.S. media are hung up these days over the insanity behind the picking of a new presidential candidate the scientific community is nervously looking at melting ice caps, world temperature gauges and the now deadly weather events. While the candidates pontificate about budget issues, terrorism and patrolling the nation’s borders, nearly a million residents of Fort McMurray, in Alberta, Canada, are fleeing for their lives to escape what will likely be deemed one of the largest ground fires to ever sweep North America.
While most Americans and the U.S. media are hung up these days over the insanity behind the picking of a new presidential candidate the scientific community is nervously looking at melting ice caps, world temperature gauges and the now deadly weather events. While the candidates pontificate about budget issues, terrorism and patrolling the nation’s borders, nearly a million residents of Fort McMurray, in Alberta, Canada, are fleeing for their lives to escape what will likely be deemed one of the largest ground fires to ever sweep North America.
World Oceans Are Dying
The alarms have been posted now for years. Instead of changing the things we are doing that are killing our oceans, humans have only intensified their harmful activities. We are fishing the waters too heavily; we are polluting the water with plastics, oil and methane spills, and we are dumping toxic chemicals in our streams that are flowing into the seas and creating massive dead zones.
The alarms have been posted now for years. Instead of changing the things we are doing that are killing our oceans, humans have only intensified their harmful activities. We are fishing the waters too heavily; we are polluting the water with plastics, oil and methane spills, and we are dumping toxic chemicals in our streams that are flowing into the seas and creating massive dead zones.
The Great Methane Alarm
The grand quest for energy is coming back to bite us all in the rear. In addition to the discovery of leaking toxins at our aging nuclear power plants we also are discovering that our old oil and gas wells, many of them capped and long forgotten, are rusting and leaking some very dangerous gasses.
The grand quest for energy is coming back to bite us all in the rear. In addition to the discovery of leaking toxins at our aging nuclear power plants we also are discovering that our old oil and gas wells, many of them capped and long forgotten, are rusting and leaking some very dangerous gasses.
U.S. Nuke War Project Haunting Us
It was top secret research known as the Manhattan Project as American military scientists raced both Germany and Japan in the development of the world’s first atomic bomb. The stakes were high because everyone knew that a bomb this powerful was going to assure victory in a war that encompassed the world. The success in capturing nuclear energy led to the construction of uranium powered power plants all over the world, plutonium powered space craft capable of searching the stars, plus naval ships that can stay at sea for indefinite amounts of time. Utilizing that kind of new energy appeared to be a major step into the future at the time it was first discovered. But early atomic researchers did not fully understand the power they had at their hands and its potential dangers. Their mistakes are now endangering everyone.
It was top secret research known as the Manhattan Project as American military scientists raced both Germany and Japan in the development of the world’s first atomic bomb. The stakes were high because everyone knew that a bomb this powerful was going to assure victory in a war that encompassed the world. The success in capturing nuclear energy led to the construction of uranium powered power plants all over the world, plutonium powered space craft capable of searching the stars, plus naval ships that can stay at sea for indefinite amounts of time. Utilizing that kind of new energy appeared to be a major step into the future at the time it was first discovered. But early atomic researchers did not fully understand the power they had at their hands and its potential dangers. Their mistakes are now endangering everyone.
The Koch Brothers’ Nitrogen Bane
When I was a young lad living on a farm in rural Michigan, we had the Lange brothers as our neighbors. They were both first or second generation Germans who farmed the old fashioned way with horses, big double-plow tractors with steel wheels, and thrashing machines that harvested their grain. The Langes rotated their crops because they knew it was good for the soil. They used the natural manure from their livestock for fertilizer. They were happy when their wheat crop yielded 30 bushels to an acre. Those farms are gone now. They have been sucked up by big commercial farming operations and what they are doing to the soil and the environment will make you sick.
When I was a young lad living on a farm in rural Michigan, we had the Lange brothers as our neighbors. They were both first or second generation Germans who farmed the old fashioned way with horses, big double-plow tractors with steel wheels, and thrashing machines that harvested their grain. The Langes rotated their crops because they knew it was good for the soil. They used the natural manure from their livestock for fertilizer. They were happy when their wheat crop yielded 30 bushels to an acre. Those farms are gone now. They have been sucked up by big commercial farming operations and what they are doing to the soil and the environment will make you sick.
Do Plants Think? Scientists Believe It
A recent article in the New York Times told of Peter Wohlleben, a German forest ranger and author, whose book "The Hidden Life of Trees" has reawakened scientific research in plant intelligence. Wohlleben, who has spent much of his life living among and studying the trees he cares for, says he is assured that the trees in his forest "are social beings." He believes they can count, learn and remember, nurse sick neighboring trees, warn each other of danger via electrical signals through a fungal network, and even keep ancient stumps of long-felled companions alive by feeding them through their roots.
A recent article in the New York Times told of Peter Wohlleben, a German forest ranger and author, whose book "The Hidden Life of Trees" has reawakened scientific research in plant intelligence. Wohlleben, who has spent much of his life living among and studying the trees he cares for, says he is assured that the trees in his forest "are social beings." He believes they can count, learn and remember, nurse sick neighboring trees, warn each other of danger via electrical signals through a fungal network, and even keep ancient stumps of long-felled companions alive by feeding them through their roots.
Perchlorate; Another Toxin to Worry About
Among the disturbing pieces of information received in my e-mail was a report that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns of the discovery of lettuce highly contaminated by rocket fuel residue. The story said our constant firing of rockets into space has created something called perchlorate pollution. So what is perchlorate? Why should we worry about it? It seems that the stuff is being found everywhere, not just in our lettuce. It is highly toxic and it has been around for a while.
Among the disturbing pieces of information received in my e-mail was a report that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns of the discovery of lettuce highly contaminated by rocket fuel residue. The story said our constant firing of rockets into space has created something called perchlorate pollution. So what is perchlorate? Why should we worry about it? It seems that the stuff is being found everywhere, not just in our lettuce. It is highly toxic and it has been around for a while.
Trouble Brewing At Miami Nuke Plant?
Even as plans are being made to expand Florida Power & Light’s nuclear generating station at Turkey Point, alarm flags are being raised by Miami-Dade County officials and environmentalists about even keeping the 44-year-old plant operating. Critics have long complained that the plant is located on environmental fragile land, it threatens a variety of rare species of wildlife that includes the crocodile, it is located on lowlands near the Atlantic Ocean where it is in the center of a heavily populated area and is a target for hurricanes, storm surge and rising sea levels. A recent study revealed that the plant has been leaking dangerous tritium-laced waste-water into Biscayne Bay. Also gamma and beta radiation levels over Miami have spiked.
Even as plans are being made to expand Florida Power & Light’s nuclear generating station at Turkey Point, alarm flags are being raised by Miami-Dade County officials and environmentalists about even keeping the 44-year-old plant operating. Critics have long complained that the plant is located on environmental fragile land, it threatens a variety of rare species of wildlife that includes the crocodile, it is located on lowlands near the Atlantic Ocean where it is in the center of a heavily populated area and is a target for hurricanes, storm surge and rising sea levels. A recent study revealed that the plant has been leaking dangerous tritium-laced waste-water into Biscayne Bay. Also gamma and beta radiation levels over Miami have spiked.
Is The Earth Shifting Poles?
Someday, maybe a few thousand years from now or possibly sooner . . . much sooner . . . the North Pole will be changing places with the South Pole on planet Earth. How quickly that happens will have a significant impact on us all. The Inuit elders to the far north have been watching the changing weather patterns, the warming ice caps and other signs. They report to NASA that they believe the cause of all the weather changes, the increase in earthquakes and the confusion in migration habits of birds and sea creatures isn’t global warming, but rather because the magnetism of the planet is shifting.
Someday, maybe a few thousand years from now or possibly sooner . . . much sooner . . . the North Pole will be changing places with the South Pole on planet Earth. How quickly that happens will have a significant impact on us all. The Inuit elders to the far north have been watching the changing weather patterns, the warming ice caps and other signs. They report to NASA that they believe the cause of all the weather changes, the increase in earthquakes and the confusion in migration habits of birds and sea creatures isn’t global warming, but rather because the magnetism of the planet is shifting.
Transporting Plutonium To The U.S.
Two armed British ships were on the high seas this spring, loaded with 730 pounds of plutonium and bound from Tokai, Japan, to an American government facility on the Savannah River, South Carolina. The ships, the Pacific Egret and Pacific Heron, operated by Pacific Nuclear Transport, are especially built to carry this deadly cargo. The heavy metal is created as a by-product of operating nuclear powered electric generating plants. It is extremely flammable when exposed to water and highly radioactive. Its only known use is for the manufacture of atomic bombs and some medical testing devices.
Two armed British ships were on the high seas this spring, loaded with 730 pounds of plutonium and bound from Tokai, Japan, to an American government facility on the Savannah River, South Carolina. The ships, the Pacific Egret and Pacific Heron, operated by Pacific Nuclear Transport, are especially built to carry this deadly cargo. The heavy metal is created as a by-product of operating nuclear powered electric generating plants. It is extremely flammable when exposed to water and highly radioactive. Its only known use is for the manufacture of atomic bombs and some medical testing devices.