Monday, November 12, 2007


The Russian oil spill is at approximately 45N and 36E. The weather doesn' t look promising.
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Death Toll In Russian Oil Disaster Rises; Three Unidentified Bodies Located


The oil tankers' spill has the potential of damaging the enviroment of the entire Black Sea depending on tides. It is a sensitive area as there are missile instillations long the peninsula and to offer assistance to Russia might be met with concern for it's national defense with the potential of Western spying. The area needs to be secure from major environmental damage, but, considering the seas and current weather the likelihood of containment of any kind is unlikely.

Years ago in regard to advocating for finding new energy and transportation solutions, in realization of the extent the troposphere would become trubulent year after year due to Human Induced Global Warming, there was a 'factor' that was not measurable on the Geophysic Scale. That factor was the 'chaos/disruption' the seas and oceans would play on the human activity that would actually deliver oil for process and use. I thought it then and I still have the same assessment; Earth has many defenses; among them angry seas that will and do treat cargo ships as toys.
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November 12, 2007
7:25 a.m. EST
Preciosa Dumlao - AHN News Writer
Rostov-On-Don, Russia (AHN) - At least three bodies of unidentified sailors were recovered Monday after a Russian oil freight sank near the Black Sea. Officials said the oil spill was one of the worst environmental disaster happened in the region and would probably takes years to clean up.
The incident happened at the Strait of Kerch, a narrow strait, which links two seas, the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
The Emergency Situations spokesman Sergei Kozhemyaka said rescuers found the three dead sailors still wearing their life vests. The bodies were found near Tuzla in the western side of the strait. Rescuers were still looking for five more bodies, which believed to be dead due to heavy storm.
There were at least 10 ships which sank or ran on the shore during the heavy storm in the northern Black Sea region including the tanker. At least 1.3 million gallons of fuel oil were in the Volganeft-139 and nearly half of the oil it carries spilled into the sea and had been left on nearby shorelines.
Authorities said the 13 crew of the Russian tanker were saved.


Did I say ONLY $100 per barrel by the end of the year? Oh !

Oil prices dive on talk of OPEC output hike (click here)
5 hours ago
LONDON (AFP) — World oil prices tumbled on Monday after OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia said over the weekend that the oil cartel might raise output to help combat high energy rates, analysts said.
New York's main contract, light sweet crude for December delivery, shed 2.15 dollars to 94.17 dollars. Last Wednesday it had hit an historic peak of 98.62 dollars.
In London on Monday, Brent North Sea crude for December delivery slumped 1.91 dollars to 91.27 dollars. On Wednesday it struck an all-time high of 95.19 dollars.
"Crude futures were down following comments from Saudi Oil Minister Ali al Nuaimi, OPEC's most influential voice," Sucden analyst Michael Davies said Monday.
Nuaimi had told reporters during a short visit to Kuwait that talk of a hike in output was premature.
But he added: "When OPEC meets, we will discuss this issue."
He did not specify which meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries he was referring to.
OPEC is holding a summit in Riyadh on November 17-18 and ministers are also due to meet in Abu Dhabi on December 5....

November 12, 2007
1700 gmt
World Satellite


November 12, 2007
1542 gmt
Africa - Europe Satellite


November 12, 2007
South Eastern Europe weather satellite


This is the Black Sea image from Google Earth.


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Russia: Ships wrecked in big storm. Video


The waves are not only foamy at their height, they are also 'peaked' and nearly 'level' throughout their arrival to the beach. In other words, the 'wavelength' this water is approaching shoreline is receiving mulitple direction of velocity.

These are 'rouge waves' arriving to the shoreline. There is no 'undertow' so much as there is simply heavy wave dynamics that would cause ANY PERSON entering the water to drown. The best swimmer could not survive these waves.

The 'lack' of a high or low to the wave 'form' provides the dynamics of nearly tsunami like movement without retreat. In other words, the 'tide' is not arriving so much as 'the wave' is crashing at one of it's termination points.


A lot of foam at the shoreline. Waves breaking very close to shore with high crests 'at' the beach shows a large volume of water to beach front ratio.


November 9, 2007
Criel-sur-mer, France

In Russia/Black Sea/Ukraine:
At least four ships sink and others are grounded as severe storms lash the Kerch Strait and Black Sea.


Russia launches operation to contain oil spill in Black Sea - 2 (click here)
17:41
12/ 11/ 2007

MOSCOW, November 12 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's emergencies ministry announced on Monday the launch of a major operation in a Black Sea strait to contain an oil spill after an oil tanker sank in a storm.
An oil tanker with 4,000 metric tons of fuel oil on board and three dry freighters containing sulfur went down on Sunday in the Kerch Strait, which links the Black Sea to the much smaller Sea of Azov. The
bodies of three sailors have been found, and at least eight others are still missing, according to the ministry.
"Three teams have started an operation to contain the oil spill caused by the sinking of the Volgoneft-139," Emergency Situations Ministry Spokesman Viktor Beltsov said.
When the oil tanker split in two, about 2,000 metric tons of fuel oil and about 6,800 tons of sulfur spilled into the sea, in one of Russia's worst environmental disasters in recent years.
Oleg Mitvol, deputy head of Russia's environmental regulator, said the sinking of the ships in the Kerch Strait was "a very serious environmental disaster", and it would take more than a month to clear up the resulting environmental pollution.
Thousands of dead birds have since washed up along the shore of Russia's southern Krasnodar Territory near the site of the oil spill, a spokesman for the local administration said on Monday.
"According to the latest information, about 30,000 birds have died and about the same number are covered in oil. In other words, it is very likely they will die too," he said.
The Ukrainian prime minister said the government had allocated $3 million to repair damage caused by the storm.
Viktor Yanukovych said the government would make extra funds available as soon as the total damages had been assessed, adding that the oil slick presented no direct threat to Ukraine as it was currently moving in the opposite direction.
A Russian emergencies official said twelve kilometers of the Kerch Strait shore had been polluted with oil products.
Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov to travel to the Kerch Strait "to deal with the situation and take appropriate measures."



Black Sea oil spill (click here)


Oil producer Rosneft to triple crude supplies to Asia by 2020 (click here)

Storm moving through state


November 11, 2007
Long Mott near Port Lavaca, Texas
Photographer states :: Thunderstorms had rolled across the county within the past 36 Hours. Possible victim of downburst. Either that or a case of failure to maintain financial responsibility!


This was due to a weather event. Granted the 4X4 Chevy under the canopy is a very old model, but, one I am familar with which requires a large amount of fuel to operate on any given occassion. The vehicle is a work horse for that farm with a high end torque to it's transmission. There is a reason the farm operation still has that Chevy truck. I think the tractor is an Allis-Chalmer 4W220. It probably cost about $35,000 to $40,000 new and probably retains a value of about $20,000 in it's current condition. I doubt seriously the building was in such disrepair that it collapsed on it's own.

I will say this, however, the farmer is operating on margin to some extent as inside that building is the operation's 'garage,' if you will. That equipment is well maintained and the operation is eeking out every once of efficiency without carrying any unwanted debt. It looks as though our farmers are under fiscal stress in many ways, including, the fact drought and flooding and now meso-tornadic winds are making their management issues all the more difficult. I hope the Democratic Candidates are talking about those issues as well as any promise of ethanol to the USA.

Mon November 12, 2007
The OklahomanParts of Oklahoma are experiencing a stormy start this morning to the new week.
Strong storms have been reported through southeastern Oklahoma, including near Marietta in
Love County. Other storms were reported hear Holdenville in Hughes County.
The National Weather Service said the activity was moving northeast at about 25 mph. The storms are producing lightning; brief heavy rain; and some hail.
Forecasters said there is a good chance of showers and thunderstorms today, with highs from 66 to 78.
The weather service said lift associated with an upper-level storm system over West Texas will result in widely scattered showers and thunderstorms during the morning. The best chance will be across south-central and southeastern counties.
Additional showers and a few storms will be possible as a weak cold front pushes southeastward across the state.
The statewide forecast tonight calls for mostly cloudy skies, with a chance of rain and storms. Lows will range from the upper 30s in the northwest to around 60 in the southeast.
Tuesday's forecast is for partly sunny skies and a slight chance of rain and isolated thunderstorms. Highs should range from the mid-70s to low 80s.
Wednesday should be partly cloudy, with lows from the mid-30s in the northwest to low 60s in the southeast. Highs are expected to range from the low 60s in the northwest to mid-70s in the southeast.
It should be partly cloudy Thursday, with lows from the upper 20s in the northwest to mid-40s in the southeast. Highs should be in the 60s.
Friday's forecast is for mostly cloudy skies, a chance of rain in the east, lows from the mid-30s to low 40s and highs from the mid-60s to mid-70s.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

This is the UNCW Forest. It is a significant carbon sink to the region. The Wilmington Community is upset. The link to this title explains why.

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None of the buildings cited at this link are necessary.

Any student parking can easily be accommodated by off campus parking and/or the return of the student parking currently exploited by the new Chancellor with parking meters. The students are not interested in destroying their 'living labs' currently known as the UNCW Forest for additional parking or housing. We'd rather walk and leave the vehicles parked within reasonable walking distance than destroy the forest.

Currently, UNCW employs the local mass transit authority to provide buses for transportation. Those jobs would be lost if all parking were self-contained on University's campus land.

Additionally, the new residence hall isn't necessary. Currently, the community of Wilmington has apartment complexes surrounding the University that have many students living on their properties. There are student liasons between the University and the surrounding apartment complexes. If the University were to erect more unnecessary housing the surrounding economics of the area would change and there would be higher vacancy rates in the apartments.

Noted in the 'Google Earth' photo above is also single family housing surrounding about 50% of the main campus. If the UNCW Forest were destroyed and an athletic complex erected the noise level to the neighboring community would escalate to unbearable driving housing values down. The people that live near the campus like the UNCW Forest and the quiet that accompanies it.


The Millenium Complex is a private business venture no one wants. It's presence will place designs on the campus that was never intended. The campus of UNCW has always been primarily a living laboratory for the biological and environmental sciences, including, geology, geography, physics and oceanography. The Cameron School of Business and The Watson School of Education are a nice compliment to the purpose of the University. It is easy to realize the future of any of the 'primary mission sciences' of UNCW will be 'the future' of the USA and it's energy needs and sustainability. The other 'schools' are very important to the mission of the 'Arts and Science School' but in no way was the campus ever intended to be overrun with opportunity to business alone or a divergence away from it's scientific mission on a highly dynamic Coastal Plain of North Carolina.


Public comment is supposed to be conducted sometime in April, but, April is also the slated time schedule to begin the destruction of the forest. Chancellor Rosemary already stated to the President of the campus environmental club, "The final plans have been approved and it will go forward."

Excuse me? But, then why hold public hearings?


The ambitions of this Chancellor was never to consider the best interest of the students of the University or the community it is an integral part. Her 'attitude' is one of self-righteousness, with short term goals. The reason she has driven the Board of Directors of UNCW in an expedient manner to 'old, dusty ideas' at one time shelved as 'bad ideas' is to enhance an ambition and resume to get her on the path of her own agenda. Chancellor Rosemary is the worst thing that ever happened to this campus regardless of the enormously warm and generous welcome and willingness of the University to serve her demands of comfort.


To address and thwart the draconian agenda for the UNCW Forest, information can be obtained and addressed to
Ron Core: corer@uncw.edu, phone 910 962-3067.


I thank everyone sincerely interested in protecting the UNCW Forest. There needs to be a movement toward insuring the well being of the UNCW Forest, making a Preserve in perpetuity. Please get involved. "Again, thank you and good night."

Dionaea muscipula - The venus fly trap in the wild is an endangered species, endemic to Wilmington, North Carolina


Among the flora of the forest floor on the UNCW campus is the endangered wild Venus Fly Trap
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Another resident of the UNCW Long Leaf Pine Forest


The UNCW Long Leaf Pine Forest is also home to a species of Pileated Woodpecker (click here).
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Adapted to Fire


After a seedling opens after the cone is exposed to fire, it will 'blot' to a taller than usual, but narrow trunk. It does this genetically. This is a two year old Long Leaf Pine Seedling. Upto this stage most of it's energy has come from the chlorophyll in the bark as well as leaves, but, now it will put more energy into growing branches and producing more leaves.
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Species Pinus palustris


Historical picture of a mature "Old Growth" forest of Long Leaf Pine. The canopy is far above the forest floor and there is still penetration of sunlight providing a forest floor rich in opportunity for species survival of many forms of flora and fauna.
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As long as the fire doesn't reach the canopy, these trees will never succumb to damage. As a matter of fact they thrive as a fire resistance species.


The Long Leaf Pine requires a fire from time to time and controlled burns are performed on campus with this forest. As these trees grow they voluntarily drop branches to allow the canopy to remain above fire level.
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A resident of the UNCW Long Leaf Pine Community is The Fox Squirrel - A Threatened Species


This particular squirrel can be black in color. It is an adaptation to the fact it survives in a forest that is fire resistant. The 'understory' of the canopy can be black from buring from time to time and the squirrel while frequently grey also has a 'genetic allel' that provides some squirrels with this color.

The North Carolian Long Leaf Pine range has only three old growth forests and they are significantly small in size.
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Camp Lejune Tract
Size: 49 acres
Ownership: Department of Defense Marine Corps
Location: Onslow Co, NC



Boyd Tract
Size: 160 acres
Ownership: North Carolina Division of Parks and Rec.
Location: Moore Co, NC
An old (trees > 350 years) stand that had undergone fire-exclusion for ~ 80 years. Restoration efforts (burning and raking) are underway. Old turpentining scars are present on most trees, providing a unique aspect and cultural history.
Threats: wildfire danger, urban interface, non-native species invasions.
Several past and current research projects (see Gilliam et al. 1993 and others).



Bonnie Doone Tract
Size: 160 acres
Ownership: City of Fayetteville, NC
Location: Cumberland Co, NC
A rare tract of “round timber” (meaning never been turpentined) in the sandhills region of North Carolina. Stand is fire-excluded and in need of a careful restoration program.
Threats: wildfire danger, urban interface issues. No past or present research projects or publications.


Currently, the Chancellor has sold The Board of Directors on the idea of expanding the campus in population to raise revenues and make this campus a 'premier' university.

UNCW is a 'laboratory' university which has tough standards for admission, but, also has always been unique in providing experience in the biological sciences, including environmental sciences with a large population of students majoring in Biology and Marine Biology. The UNCW forest is needed for all kinds of laboratory experiences, especially when considering this is a Long Leaf Pine Forest an endangered species with completely unique properties including fire resistance.


The Range of Long Leaf Pine of the Southeast Coastal Plain of the United States of America. The range noted here is not continuous. Within that range are dearly few pine forests.
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There are 48 endemic genera and 1732 endemic taxa within this range.

Not having much savvy as to the best direction to take to raise income and improve her resume, Rosemary put student parking off campus.

I don't know a student on campus that would rather find better ways to provide parking, housing and 'space' for any university activity than to destroy an endangered species of forest on the southeast coast of the USA. The off campus parking would be an opportunity to eliminate the parking deck totally and other purchases of land and buildings throughout Wilmington and the surrounding community would bring additional community access. The Wilmington Community does not want this forest destroyed either.


She opened off campus parking with shuttle bus service and turned the 'on campus' parking into metered parking. Now, when students are late to arriving to 'bother' with the shuttle bus service, they simply pay for parking in addition to the fees they pay to park in off campus lots.

I'm sorry, but, when a Chancellor is as poorly motivated as this to find ways to raise funds while placing undue burden on the Students there isn't much to say about the 'innovative spirit' she brings with her.

There was a lot of fanfare for Rosemary when she arrived. We all expected a lot from the first woman Chancellor. What we got was an ambitious woman without creativity or know how and now she wants to destroy a living laboratory on the campus of the most densely environmental university in the State of North Carolina.

I don't think so.

In 2005, the "Parking Deck" was scrapped because of it's huge expense and undue burden to the students. Now, because she doesn't know what else to do and wants to speed her accomplishments along, Rosemary went to the attic of her Chancellor Residence, pulled out every abandoned project that ever existed and has placed 'the cost' on the backs of the students (click here).

Mandatory Fee Allocation (click here)

Union Debt (this is the construction of the New Student Union)
Union Expansion Debt (this is improvements made to old University Union that is to be reopened for meeting space and a cafe)
Westside Expansion Debt (this is the expansion of Westside Hall)
Recreation Debt (this is the debt for the $1 million Student Recreation Center)

The point is there will be more fees for every new building that goes up on campus along with rising tuition, books and simple day to day living expenses.


UNCW Parking Deck Plans Postponed (click here)
October 5, 2005
Wilmington, N.C. - Because of the escalating cost of construction and the subsequent impact on parking fees, University of North Carolina Wilmington has postponed plans for a new parking deck. UNCW has been exploring different options to meet the need for additional parking including the pending purchases of new property. These properties have the potential to create nearly 600 parking spaces, virtually the same number that would have been provided by the deck which was slated for completion in 2007, according to Sharon Boyd, associate vice chancellor of business services.

With a deck priced at more than $12 million (that was the price in 2005, the anticipated costs now are far, far higher), the cost of a parking permit was expected to rise by approximately $120 per year. The purchase of land for more off-campus parking is expected to cost significantly less resulting in significantly lower increases in parking permit costs. Any increases in parking permit costs will not take effect until the 2006 academic year.
Parking spaces already lost to construction coupled with plans to site the new nursing building on Lot T, one of the largest parking lots on campus, left the university with a sudden need for approximately 600 commuter student parking spaces. Plans to meet this need included a deck on campus and/or off-campus parking lots.
Now that land located in close proximity to campus has become available, the university’s objective to provide additional parking as economically as possible can be realized. While the university is currently in the due diligence phase of the purchase, the locations cannot yet be disclosed. However, this solution mitigates steeply rising construction costs while providing some financial relief to students and employees.
Convenient off-campus parking with express shuttle service will continue to be priced at a lower rate than prime on-campus parking. “The security and convenience of our students and adequate, reliable shuttle services will be of paramount importance,” says Boyd.
For more information, please contact Sharon Boyd at 910/962.3772.

First wnen Rosemary showed up as God's Gift to UNCW she demanded her residence be renovated to the tune of $1.5 million.

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Rosemary DePaolo and Laura Bush with an inspiring book about 'The Ole West' and Cowboys and Indians. Right. Every librarian's dream come true.

Dr. Leutze used to live there when he was Chancellor and never complained, but, simply asked maintenance to come whenever needed. Rosemary is not a nice woman.

The University now charges $15.00 per person to tour the place. Amazing.

Dr. Leutze, currently Chancellor Emeritus, was a "Green Chancellor." He did extensive work for the people of NC. He liked water projects


...A native of Charleston, S.C., Leutze (click here) holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree from the University of Miami and a doctoral degree from Duke University. He served in the U.S. Air Force, rising to the rank of captain, and worked as a legislative assistant for Sen. Hubert Humphrey...


Dr. Leutze retired in 2003 and was replaced by a 'hard-core' draconian business woman that has dragged out every unfinished project UNCW ever entertained and is attempting to create a resume to 'die for' to go on and find a better position as a Fortune 500 CFO or CEO at the expense of the integrity and dignity of the Student Body of UNCW.

There is a Long Leaf Pine Ecosystem slated for destruction on a USA University Campus


There is only 2% of Long Leaf Pine Forests left on the Southeastern Seaboard of the USA. The Long Leaf Pine Forest of UNCW, which is used as a 'live laboratory' by Professors and Students is one of them.






It's Saturday Night
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Crocodile Woman (She Bites) by The Hollies

Keep away from that hard-looking woman.
Don't be fooled by her crocodile smile.
She uses charm like a witch casting bad spells.
You can't see what I can see for miles.
I know she'll leave you with no self-respect.
Don't let her leave you reject.
Builds you up only to destroy you.

It'll happen at a time you won't expect.
Sly girl, good timer, she's just a social climber
She bites
Entice, so nice, but you have to pay the price
She bites
She'll take away everything that you've got.

leaving you cold when you think things are hot.
Bad kind, no good, making up her own rules.
Be on your guard, boy, if she loses her cool.

Sly girl, good timer, she's just a social climber
She bites
Entice, so nice, but you have to pay the price
She bites
Sly girl, good timer, she's just a social climber
She bites
Entice, so nice, but you have to pay the price
She bites

Keep away from that hard-looking woman.
Don't be fooled by her crocodile smile.
You can't see what I can see for miles.
She uses charm like a witch casting bad spells.
She bites

Sly girl, good timer, she's just a social climber
Entice, so nice, but you have to pay the price
She bites
Sly girl, good timer, she's just a social climber

She bites
Entice, so nice, but you have to pay the price
She bites
She bites
she bites
she bites