In the year 2005 when the USA population reached 300 million, there was a 'maximum' of hurricane activity and volatility.

The number of Killer Tornadoes in the year 2005 were 13 in the USA.

It was the 'Katrina' year. There were 31 named storms, three were Cat 5, two were Cat 4 and two were Cat 3. In 2005, there was still enough water vapor content at Earth's surface to 'handle the heat.' Earth's physics 'loaded' the troposphere with hurricane spawning capacity and the heat from Human Induced Global Warming was driven into the oceans.

The only glacier of the Juneau Icefields that is not retreating is the Taku Glacier.

Taku Glacier

The mass balance of the Taku Glacier has increased while ALL the other glaciers of the Juneau Icefields have eroded. The Taku Glaicer before Human Induced Global Warming resulted in 'maximum' manifestations of the years 2000, had the least 'RECHARGE' (deposits of snow and ice) of any of the glaciers.

Why then when Earth is warming and there is a climate crisis and weather patterns are changing would a glacier 'increase' in its volume?

This blog has referred to 'the properties of water' on numerous occassions. Water vapor is a 'component' of global warming. The 'heat transfer systems' I frequently refer to in explaining the increased rapid deterioration of the ice caps and icefields are 'powered' by water vapor. If Earth did not have water, it would simply be a 'hot rock' regardless of being 'the third rock' from the sun.

Percipitation on Earth is compliments of the properties of water. So, when it rains or snows or there is drizzle or ice storms it is all due to formations of water as it appears in regard to 'CLIMATE.' The colder the climate the colder the water, the more snow or ice that is formed.

When a glacier 'recharges' it means it accumulates more snow or ice. As the deposits increase over years the top layers become compressed as 'water' is very heavy. The top layers then are compressed into dense layers of ice and a glacier 'advances' and 'extends its terminus (front edge of the glacier that advances DOWNHILL.)

When a glacier recharges it REQUIRES percipitation. Percipitation to the degree it occurs over a glacier determines whether it advances quickly or not at all and actually retreats. So why then would all the other glaciers of the Juneau Icefields NOT recharge when the Taku Glacier is recharging? Seems odd that one would have such an exception and actually 'challenge' the 'idea' of Human Induced Global Warming since a theory or scientific law applies to all cases.

And what the heck does the Taku Glacier have in common with the increase in tornadoes and changing of the occurrence and intensity of hurricanes?

The Taku Glacier in Alaska's Juneau Icefields changed in its advance to the terminus because the mass balance increased. The MASS of the glacier increased due to increased percipitation over its 'area.'

The reason? Elevation/altitude, BUT, not in the way the average layperson would think and put that into context. To understand the brevity of the increase in percipitation over the Taku Glacier and its increased mass one has to 'think vertically.' Literally, one has to realize 'where the increased heat' of Human Induced Global Warming IS BEING STORED. It is being stored in the surface waters of Earth when hurricanes deposit the heat there and it is being stored 'vertically.'

When the heat from the surface was moving vertically through the troposphere the glaciers were exposed to higher temperatures and any percipitation that resulted in recharge was 'countered' balanced with LOSS of ice from the glacier in all areas, the terminus, the moraines and the top and bottom of the ice formations. The loss was far greater than the recharge and continues to be.

What occurred at the Taku Glacier was an increase in percipitation at already higher altitudes where the ice formation remained stable. When the increase in percipitation occurred it added to the mass balance of the glacier and explained the increase in the terminus. The real question became "Why is there more percipitation?" We know there was by weather records, but, also by the fact that a 'stable' mass balance of a very cold, higher elevation glacier would indicate that it was simply STABLE, in the face of hotter temperatures at lower elevations. But, for the mass balance to increase with the Taku Glacier and to increase its terminus there was only one answer. That answer was the increase in the deposit of snow and ice. The increase in the deposit of snow and ice could only occur in one way with the Taku Glacier. It would have to occur through percipitation as it is the highest elevation glaicer of the Juneau Icefields. What does that mean?

That means the 'dew point' (click here) at the altitude of the Taku Glacier had increased. The water vapor content of the altitude had increased and with the arrival of increased water vapor was the encroaching 'heat stores' of the lower latitudes that the other glacier were already exposed to and causing deterioration, retreat, decrease in their mass balance.

The relationship between the Taku Glacier and what is occurring in the troposphere is completely evident. The 'heat stores' of Human Induced Global Warming have risen in the troposphere and there is less and less water vapor at lower altitudes to support 'rain' and snow and ice, hence, causing widespread disruption in Climate. With increased water vapor at higher altitudes, the turbulence of the troposphere moves upward while 'drying' the surface and creating less biotic content.

Hence, the 'negative feedback loop' of Human Induced Global Warming that destroyes NECESSARY biotic content (plants) through lack of rainfall. Less 'albedo' of retreating icefields and ice caps, while, the consumerism of the USA continues to escalate the amount of carbon dioxide in the troposphere.

With higher elevations of turbulence is increased 'wind shear' AND less 'water vapor' at lower latitudes (sea level) to support hurricanes, therefore, less hurricanes and the ones that do eventually form will be more violent simply because of the higher ocean and air temperatures at the surface of Earth.

The Juneau Icefields of Alaska portray a very interesting picture as to the current and continuedly 'eminent' dangers of Human Induced Global Warming

This is a video of the fields as of December, 2006. There is grossly significant loss of ice formations throughout the elevations, EXCEPT, for one.

Heat. The increase of the Earth's surface due to increased levels of Carbon Dioxide is causing a 'shift' in weather patterns.

In their early and mature stages, all thunderstorms are characterized by rising air, called updrafts. These updrafts supply the warm, humid air that fuels thunderstorms. (click here)


The eye of a majestic hurricane is a very warm place to be. The air inside the eye is sometimes 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the storm's surroundings. Where does all this hot air come from, and how does it power the hurricane's strong winds? (click here)

What is the difference between hurricanes and tornadoes? Speaking in terms of physics.

The 'ingredients' that go into these tropospheric turbulences are the same, however, the 'amount' of the ingredients are different. So is the surface area. It takes far more water vapor to support a hurricane than a tornado.
But.
Both are a result of vortices formed by heat driven tropospheric conditions. Tornadoes normally form over land while hurricanes form over oceans and dissipate over land.
The most common factor with these storms and their OCCURRENCE is 'Wind Shear.'
While those that benefit by 'explaining away' global warming in relation to 'weather' are served by separating the subjects and referring to ISOLATED incidences of past turbulence that are similar, the fact of the matter cannot be explained away, that "Wind Shear" serves to increase the occurrence of tornadoes and their frequency and number while it decreases that of hurricanes.

Recently there was a report that stated there would be less hurricanes due to 'Wind Shear.'

Wind shear is the change in wind speed or direction with height in the atmosphere. Wind shear is important for the formation of tornadoes and hail. Some amount of wind shear is common in the atmosphere. Larger values of wind shear exist near fronts, cyclones, and the jet stream. Wind shear in an atmospheric layer that is unstable can result in clear air turbulence.

Tornadoes occur with thunderstorms. There are a couple of ways that they form.

Most strong and violent tornadoes occur with supercell thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms occur when warm moist air is forced upward.

Tornadoes occur with a special storm type called a supercell.

Supercells occur with a certain wind conditions. Winds that turn from south to west with height and/or increase rapidly with height (especially in the lowest several thousand feet of the atmosphere) cause the updraft in a thunderstorm to rotate.

If the updraft is strong enough and the wind shear is strong enough, a tornado may occur. Supercells also produce large hail, strong winds and heavy rain.


Tornadoes - The Fujita-Pearson Scale
All tornadoes are rated on a scale called the Fujita-Pearson Tornado Scale.

F-0: 40-72 mph - Chimney damage, tree branches broken.
F-1: 73-112 mph - Mobile homes pushed off foundation or overturned.
F-2: 113-157 mph - Considerable damage, mobile homes demolished, trees uprooted.
F-3: 158-205 mph - Roofs and walls torn down, trains overturned, cars thrown.
F-4: 207-260 mph - Well-constructed walls leveled.
F-5: 261-318 mph - Homes lifted off foundation and carried considerable distances, cars thrown as far as 100 meters.

Tornado Outbreaks are RARE to say the least ! But, in the past eight years they are occurring with remarkable frequency !

The “Super Outbreak” of 1974 produced the most tornadoes in a 24-hour period in history (148). The most famous tornado from this outbreak was an F5 tornado that moved through Xenia, Ohio. Damages in Xenia alone totaled over $100 million. Total damages from the outbreak exceeded $600 million. 1979 April 10: Wichita Falls, TX



2003 May 4 – May 11: Plains Into The Southeast
A deadly outbreak of severe weather occurred between May 4th and May 11th, producing hundreds of tornadoes and widespread reports of large hail and damaging winds across eight states. Tornadoes affected the metropolitan areas of Kansas City and Oklahoma City, producing F3 and F4 damage. Other cities including Pierce City, Missouri and Jackson, Tennessee sustained heavy damage and loss of life. At least 38 people were killed from the outbreak in Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee. In Oklahoma City, damaging tornadoes occurred on both the 8th and 9th. May 1st through the 11th had more reported tornadoes (412) than any other ten-day period since records began in 1950. The estimated total damages from this historical outbreak totaled more than $3.2 billion.


Destruction at Toledo Scale Company, Telegraph Road.
Photo courtesy of Toledo Lucas County Public Library

April 11, 1965: Palm Sunday Tornadoes (click here)

Twin funnels in Elkhart, Indiana on April 11, 1965. A double tornado was also sighted near Toledo during this tornado outbreak.
Photo courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/ Department of Commerce
Call Number: wea00217 Historic NWS Collection

Not just four day of tornadoes. Four Days of Tornado Outbreaks.

But, after all, this is the USA and we can control most of the nasty outcomes of nature. Who really cares about tornadoes anyway, it only happens in Kansas.


1953 June 8: Flint, MI (The 1950s when oil was dirt cheap and air quality was beginning to find its way to concern for Americans. Smokestacks were beginning to be a blight on the country and children's lungs. The Industrial Revolution from the late 1800s was in full swing with two World Wars behind us and a Korean Conflict winding down.)
Over $19 million in damage occurred as an F5 tornado moved through the northern sections of Flint, MI. 115 people were killed and 844 were injured. This tornado was the last single tornado through March 2002 to cause more than 100 deaths.

While there is no single agreed upon definition, generally more than six tornadoes in a day in the same region is considered a tornado outbreak. A series of continuous or near continuous tornado outbreak days is a tornado outbreak sequence.
The largest tornado outbreak on record — with 148 tornadoes, most significantly including six F5 and 24 F4 tornadoes — occurred on April 3 - April 4, 1974 across the United States and Canada. It is dubbed the Super Outbreak.

The Nation of Terror experiences four consecutive days of fatal tornadoes. The American Dream in ruins !

Radio Iowa News
Four remain in critical condition following tornado (click here)

Six confirmed dead, one missing after NE Iowa tornadoes (click here)
Monday, May 26, 2008, 8:59 AM
By Darwin Danielson
The Iowa Department of Public Safety now says there are six confirmed dead following the tornadoes that struck northeast Iowa. D-P-S spokesman Jim Saunders, speaking at a news conference in Parkersburg, says there is still one person missing.
Saunders says rescuers will do another search of the homes today. He says they will go house-by-house through town and mark the homes so that people know the area has been searched. Saunders says the Iowa National Guard is helping state and local officials in the effort.
Saunders says they have enough heavy equipment to help move debris, and he says while there are a lot of people who want to help out and volunteer, the situation is such that they want to limit the number of people on the scene. Saunders says there's a number for people to tall to get information. He says you can call 319-267-9111 to find out about missing loved ones from the area...

May 25, 2008
Lacrosse, Kansas
Photographer states :: Photo showing the "Green" glow from an intense hail core in Kansas on May 25, 2008. Photo copyight Mike Theiss


May 25, 2008
Lacrosse, Kansas
Photographer states :: Photo of a wallcloud crossing road near lacrosse, Kansas on May 25, 2008. Photo copyight Mike Theiss

8 Dead in Memorial Day Weekend Twisters (click here - video)
Violent Weather Hits Iowa, Minnesota Towns, Killing 8; More Tornadoes Possible
By DAVID SCHOETZ
May 26, 2008
A band of violent weather moving across the country's midsection killed eight more people Sunday as tornadoes, heavy rain and hail belted parts of Iowa and Minnesota, darkening Memorial Day weekend.
The Iowa Homeland Security administrator confirmed that a tornado that ripped through Parkersburg, a small town about 80 miles northeast of Des Moines, killed seven people Sunday. At least 50 injuries were reported, and many of the town's homes and buildings were destroyed.
A warning siren was sounded, but residents said that the storm touched down quickly....

...Let the water of calm trickle over my doubts...

It's Monday Afternoon - Memorial Day

Drought by Vienna Teng

Summer move forward and stitch me the fabric of fall
Wrap life in the brilliance of death to humble us all
How sweet is the day
I'm craving a darkness
As I sit tucked away with my back to the wall

And the taste of dried-up hopes in my mouth
And the landscape of merry and desperate drought
How much longer dear angels
Let winterlight come
And spread your white sheets over my empty house

Summer move forward and leave your heat anchored in dust
Forgotten him, cheated him, painted illusions of lust
Now language escape, fugitive of forgiveness
Leaving as trace only circles of rust

And the taste of dried-up hopes in my mouth
And the landscape of merry and desperate drought
How much longer dear angels
Come break me with ice
Let the water of calm trickle over my doubts

Come let me drown
Angels no fire no salt on the plow
Carry me down
Bury me down

And the taste of dried-up hopes in my mouth
And the landscape of merry and desperate drought
Once I knew myself
And with knowing came love
I would know love again if I had faith enough
Too far is next spring and her jubilant shout
So angels, inside
Is the only way out

I'll pay a visit to this blog tomorrow...

... to address the issue that presented recently regarding the troposphere and potential of less hurricanes but more violent ones. It also ties in with the melting caps, the extreme frequency of tornado outbreaks, the increased danger in ? average thunderstorms ? and basically "Why is the Sky Falling? "

Tomorrow then.

I am pressed for precious time today (May 25, 2008). I do not want to 'short change' the issue. I will address this tomorrow afternoon, May 26, 2008, about this time of day. Thank you for your interest.

Morning Papers - It's Origins

According to Kirchner's administration poverty is down but not all agree

Catholic Church “perceives” growing poverty in Argentina (click here)
Bishop Jorge Casaretto, head of the Argentine Catholic Church Social Pastoral Committee said that perception at the moment “is that poverty (in Argentina) is increasing”. The statement contradicts a recent Argentine government report indicating that poverty had fallen to 20.7% in the second half of 2007 compared to the previous 23.4%....

Ames Iowa Tribune

Student's artwork selected in Google contest
By: Bob Zientara/The Tribune
05/24/2008
Updated 05/24/2008 12:12:41 AM CDT
Google "Doodle 4 Google" on the Web, and you can find the artwork of Ames Middle School student Belinda Mahama.
An eighth-grader, Mahama is one of only 40 students from across the United States selected as a regional winner in the Doodle 4 Google, a competition inviting students to design their own version of the popular Google logo.
Her drawing, based on the art of M.C. Escher, is featured on the Doodle 4 Google Web site. Along with the other regional finalists, Mahama was flown to Google's corporate headquarters in Mountview, Calif., to be honored as one of the top artists.
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Mahama's middle school art teacher is Cappie Dobyns.

http://www.midiowanews.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=19717440&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554432&rfi=6



Edwards international festival is a multi-ethnic experience
By: Bob Zientara/The Tribune
05/24/2008
Updated 05/24/2008 12:16:29 AM CDT
Edwards Elementary School second-grader Ali Mehyar holds the flag of the country Jordan Friday during the opening ceremonies of the third-annual international festival at the Ames school. The 38 flags represented the variety of nations represented in the student body.
Faryal Awan wore a flowing headdress of periwinkle blue, a knee-length top and slacks of the same color, and high heels Friday morning as she talked to a group of second-grade students in Joyce Hoffman's classroom at Edwards Elementary School.

http://www.midiowanews.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=19717449&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554432&rfi=6



Princeton-bound Chen looks back on Ames career
By: Bob Zientara/The Tribune
05/24/2008
Updated 05/24/2008 12:11:35 AM CDT
* High school studies and future plans.
* The importance of friends, and how that may change after graduation.
* How issues such as gas prices, the Iraq War and this year's election affect their lives.
* Technology, texting, blogging, games.
* The arts, especially music.
The profiles have been published over five days this week. This is the fifth and final story in the series.
Jasmine Chen will miss today's Ames High School commencement exercises, but she has a good excuse. Chen will return early next week from a visit to Taiwan.
Chen, 18, the daughter of Joseph and Winny Chen, and the sister of Edward (now enrolled at Harvard University), shared her thoughts about going to Ames High School in an exchange of e-mail messages from the island nation in the Far East.

http://www.midiowanews.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=19717436&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554432&rfi=6



Court rules on testimony question in ISU party case
Associated Press
05/24/2008
Updated 05/24/2008 12:09:47 AM CDT
DES MOINES (AP) - The Iowa Supreme Court on Friday ruled that a crime doesn't have to be an aggravated misdemeanor or felony for testimony of co-conspirators to be introduced as evidence.
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The ruling reverses a district court decision and answers a question that no Iowa case has previously addressed, the court wrote.
The decision was in a Story County case of three people charged with providing alcohol to a person under the legal age, a serious misdemeanor. The charges were the result of a Dec. 2, 2005, party at an apartment near the Iowa State University campus in Ames.
A guest at the party, Shanda Munn, 20, left in a car and hit and killed Kelly Laughery, 20, of Orient. Munn later pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Charges were later filed against people accused of providing alcohol to underage guests at the party.

http://www.midiowanews.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=19717433&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554432&rfi=6




Faith and Thought: Politics can be divisive if family members don't agree
By: Sue Stanton/Special to The Tribune
05/24/2008
Updated 05/23/2008 08:01:55 PM CDT
"Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, in a most delightful way!"
Reviewing the recent role my native Kentucky has played in the Democratic primaries, I am pleased that Hillary Clinton is still in the race for only one reason: My sister.
A political junkie, she watched with lustful awareness at just how wonderful it was to be an Iowan during the caucus season and was kept up to date on who said what by her younger sister.
In the course of events, the exchange between us was two-way. I told her what the candidates wore, said, had for lunch, and gave my expert medical assessment on the physical appearance of how Bill Clinton had weathered his heart surgery. She told me over the phone what she thought were the most damning qualities of George W. Bush.
This back-and-forth exchange of information proved productive until we parted company over our actual vote. My sister became hardened and encrusted with her love for Hillary Clinton. She would not listen to reason as I pleaded with her to "give Joe a break," firmly standing my ground on the field for Joe Biden.
But her fervor was sincere, her loyalty firm and rooted in the lore of family history. She was destined to honor all of our successful female relatives, now deceased, in casting her vote for a woman for president. This would likely be her only opportunity, and she was going to accomplish her dream at last.

http://www.midiowanews.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=19717119&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554336&rfi=6



Defending champion Ballard in command at state tournament
By: Jeff Stell
05/24/2008
Updated 05/24/2008 12:44:22 AM CDT
Ballard junior Taylor Eichinger eyes the hole before taking his shot during Friday’s Class 3A State Championship meet at Coldwater Golf Links in Ames. Photo by Ronnie Miller.
Defending champion Ballard came to the Class 3A boys state golf meet wanting to clearly establish itself as the team to beat.

After Friday's first round at Coldwater Golf Links, it looks like the Bombers have established themselves as a team that can't be beat. With 18 holes left to play today, the Bombers own a 20-stroke lead on their nearest challenger.

The Bombers shot 306 Friday to distance themselves from a traffic jam of teams between 326 and 333. Pella is second at 326 with Spencer in third one shot back and Clear Lake fourth at 332.

"We haven't lost a meet all year, so we just kind of treated this one like another meet that we want to win," Ballard junior Taylor Eichinger said. "We didn't want to be down after the first day. Now we just need to come out and play good again (Saturday) and repeat as state champions."

http://www.midiowanews.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=19717501&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554325&rfi=6



People's Business:Supporting Obama could help Iowa's Caucuses remain first
By: Charlotte Eby/Capitol News Service
05/24/2008
Updated 05/23/2008 08:03:07 PM CDT
Like it or not, an important part of Iowa's political fortune will rise and fall with Barack Obama this year.
Of the three candidates left standing, only Obama has a strong stake in keeping Iowa's first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses first.
Voters and pundits were reminded of Obama's victory here when he returned to the state Tuesday, the day he claimed a majority of the pledged delegates to the national convention.
Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan understands the politics of keeping Iowa's caucuses first, which could be why he decided to weigh in with an endorsement of Obama when the candidate returned.
State party chairs typically don't endorse candidates in primaries, so something likely went on behind the scenes to help seal the deal for Obama.

http://www.midiowanews.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=19717117&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554336&rfi=6



Owners unclear on smoking ban enforcement
By: Fred Love/Capitol News Service
05/24/2008
Updated 05/23/2008 08:03:42 PM CDT
DES MOINES - Iowa restaurant and bar owners will have to stamp out smoking in their establishments when a state-wide smoking ban takes effect July 1, but some are complaining that the state has not spelled out what their responsibilities will be under the new law.
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Justin Smith, manager of Smitty's Bar in Waterloo, said he and his employees will do the best they can to keep the establishment smoke-free, but he said he's received little guidance from the state on how to comply.
"I don't think it's been stated very clearly," he said. "Are there going to be uniformed people to come into the establishment? I don't think that's all been clearly defined."
Brian Froehlich, owner of Fro's Pub 'n Grub in Wilton, questions whether the government will be able to effectively enforce the ban. Froehlich said the law burdens bar and restaurant owners with enforcement, which could mean alienating longtime customers who smoke.

http://www.midiowanews.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=19717088&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554432&rfi=6



Buenos Aires Herald

Seek meeting with CFK and concrete proposals to deal with tax issue
Farmers extend protest 6 more days
Argentina’s four major farm groups yesterday announced they extended a nationwide protest against higher export duties for another week, deepening a political challenge to President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.
“This goes on until Wednesday,” said Eduardo Buzzi, the president of the Argentine Agricultural Federation, one of Argentina’s four leading lobbies, that group hundreds of thousands of farmers.
In a press conference in Santa Fe after meeting Santa Fe Governor Hermes Binner — a Socialist who supports them — Buzzi said that farm groups requested a meeting with Mrs. Kirchner.
He said the farmers who want to roll back higher duties on soybeans and other grain exports will continue protesting on highways but will not block most farm goods from reaching markets.

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/argentina/note.jsp?idContent=494508




Latin America, EU tackle poverty, food prices and global warming
Biofuels, trade divide summit leaders
Leftist Bolivian President Evo Morales said he feared the poor could suffer as his regional counterparts rush to sign free-trade deals with Europe, and others warned of a looming food emergency across the world.
“Soon, if the crisis deepens, hundreds of millions of people will be threatened by hunger,” said host President Alan García of Peru.
President Cristina Fernández said unequal income distribution is the “most serious problem” the region faces for its development.

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/argentina/note.jsp?idContent=494795&hideIntro=true



Measure may be lifted — leader speaks of ‘smoothing things out’
Lockout: farmers to decide today
Farm leaders yesterday announced that the committee gathering the main sector associations will today decide whether or not to lift the lockout they imposed following a dispute with the national government over export duties.
The farmers’ association have come under pressure to put an end to the conflict that broke out on March 11. “We understand that we must narrow the gap... and help smooth things out,” said Eduardo Buzzi, head of the Argentine Agricultural Federation, addressing hundreds of farmers and farmhands gathered yesterday in San Nicolás, Buenos Aires province.
“For this reason, the committee will move the meeting forward to Monday... and will consider how this country can be pacified,“ he said.

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/argentina/note.jsp?idContent=495400



Despite divisions on defence and trade, leaders create Unasur
New South American union born
The heads of states signed a treaty that creates the South American Union of Nations, or Unasur, as well as plans for energy, infrastructure and financing projects.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva hailed Unasur, which aspires to become like the European Union, as a sign that South America was becoming a “global actor” and said the differences between governments were a sign of vitality.
“Unasur is born, open to all the region, born under the signs of diversity and pluralism,” he said.

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/argentina/note.jsp?idContent=496773&hideIntro=true



Blair in Israeli crosshairs
Blair was flying on a private plane from the World Economic Forum summit in Sinai, Egypt to an investment conference in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Wednesday when his plane penetrated Israeli airspace and failed to respond to repeated control tower radio calls demanding it identify itself, apparently due to a technical mal function.
The Israeli air force flew above Blair’s plane and quickly established contact with the cockpit, whose pilot informed them he was on board.
Blair spokesman Matthew Doyle, also on board, said Blair and others were unaware of the drama unfolding and only found out about it all when fielding calls from reporters.
Reuters

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/the_world/note.jsp?idContent=496763&hideIntro=true



Burma allows aid workers in
The junta told United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that foreign aid workers could enter the country as long as it was clear what they were doing and how long they would remain.
Burma’s promise to open its doors to aid workers sparked hope among relief agencies that they could soon bring food, shelter and medicine to more of the cyclone victims in the country, but they cautiously awaited practical details.
UN and other agencies have been building up stocks for the operation to provide supplies to the estimated 2.5 million people made homeless or otherwise affected by the May 2-3 storm and subsequent flooding, officials said.

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/the_world/note.jsp?idContent=496758&hideIntro=true



100 hours after quake
China: trapped survivors freed
YINGXIU — A powerful aftershock knocked out roads and communications in some of the most quake-ravaged parts of central China yesterday, as emergency crews rescued more than 30 people who had survived up to 100 improbable hours trapped in the ruins.
With the official death toll at more than 22,000, tens of thousands of people are considered buried or missing throughout the disaster zone.

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/the_world/note.jsp?idContent=494785&hideIntro=true



Burma: 133,000 dead or missing
In a shocking update to a count that had consistently lagged international aid agency estimates, state television said 77,738 people were dead and 55,917 missing. Up to 2.5 million survivors are clinging to life in the Irrawaddy delta, with thousands of people lining roadsides to beg for help in the absence of large-scale government or foreign relief operations.

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/the_world/note.jsp?idContent=494790&hideIntro=true



INDEC says Q1 poverty rate down to 20.6% from 23.4% in ´07
Gov’t crucifies Church on poverty
The government and the Catholic Church clashed yesterday over estimated poverty rates and official indices, a day after Monsignor Jorge Casaretto said they were seeing an increase in poverty in the country.
President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner yesterday reaffirmed indigence levels had dropped, and hours later, the INDEC statistics bureau released the official figures a day earlier than expected, in an attempt to put an end to the controversy.
“Poverty has decreased in Argentina and I ask people to help me convince those who doubt it,” the President said yesterday during the inauguration of a textile factory in Chaco.
She added that, compared to 2003 wheh her husband Néstor Kirchner became president: “We see a reality different from the one they are trying to convince us about.”
On Tuesday, Casaretto, the Bishop of San Isidro said: “Our vision is that poverty is on the rise,” a week after Mrs. Kirchner said poverty and unemployment rates had dropped.

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/argentina/note.jsp?idContent=496198



Dissident’s mother allowed to leave Cuba
Lauded by the Argentine government, the Cuban administration’s decision comes at a moment when president Raúl Castro is pushing forward with a set of reforms “within socialism.” The reforms include lifting prohibitions now deemed excessive in the country.
“She was given her passport and, much to our surprise, after that...

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/argentina/note.jsp?idContent=496208



Inflation running at 1M percent
HARARE — Weary Zimbabweans are facing a new wave of massive price increases that put many basic goods out of their reach.
Independent finance houses said in an assessment Tuesday that annual inflation rose this month to 1,063,572 percent based on prices of a basket of basic foodstuffs. As stores...

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/business/note.jsp?idContent=496338



Japan cedes ground over humpback whales
TOKYO — Antarctica is safe for humpback whales. At least for now.
Giving in to worldwide criticism, Japan’s government announced Friday a whaling fleet now in the Southern Ocean for its annual hunt will not kill the rare species as they had originally planned. The fleet will, however, kill some...

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/supplements/note.jsp?idContent=453003



Exit escapism: Cannes 2008 is a reality show
by angela doland
CANNES, France — Now playing at Cannes: ordinary people, modern times, and crimes and misdemeanors.
Escapism is out of style in the French Riviera film festival’s showcase competition. Midway through the 12-day festival, it’s all about tough realities, true stories, documentary-style filming and nonprofessional actors.
Though there...

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/entertainment/note.jsp?idContent=496483



Mbeki sends army to help end violence
JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s President Thabo Mbeki gave approval yesterday for the army to help end attacks on foreigners that have killed more than 40 people.
The attacks on African immigrants, accused by many poor South Africans of taking scarce jobs and fuelling crime, have forced thousands of people from their...

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/the_world/note.jsp?idContent=496283

continued...

More tornadoes strike Kansas, Okla.

California Twin Tornadoes
Link :: http://www.weather.com/multimedia/videoplayer.html?clip=10861&from=36hr_outlet_video&from=36hr_outlet_video

Rains Bring Flooding to NE Kansas (click here for video)
Posted: 1:45 PM May 22, 2008
Last Updated: 1:45 PM
May 22, 2008
One resident in Whiting, Kansas says 8 inches of rain fell in Whiting causing ditches to fill with water and some into raging streams. Water covered roads, washing out gravel covering the roads.
Highway 9 leading to Whiting was covered with water in a couple places.
In Valley Falls, the Delaware River and Peters creek was running strong with logs and other debris floating down stream.

May 22, 2008
Holton, Kansas
Photographer states :: These are pictures of the floods that swept Jackson and Jefferson Counties in Kansas on the morning/evening of May 22nd, 2008. This particular picture was taken of a dirt road that was completely flooded over. This was a common scene on many county roads.


May 22, 2008

Effingham, Kansas

Photographer states :: These are pictures of the floods that swept Jackson and Jefferson Counties in Kansas on the morning/evening of May 22nd, 2008. This particular picture was taken of HWY K-116 just outside of Larkinburg, KS. The road was completely flooded over because of the Delaware River and Elk Creek





May 22, 2008
Effingham, Kansas
Photographer states :: These are pictures of the floods that swept Jackson and Jefferson Counties in Kansas on the morning/evening of May 22nd, 2008. This particular picture was taken near Larkinburg, KS. The "Lake" you see is actually a field.




May 22, 2008
Holton, Kansas
Photographer states :: These are pictures of the floods that swept Jackson and Jefferson Counties in Kansas on the morning/evening of May 22nd, 2008. This Picture was taken out my friends back porch. Normally, you can't see the creek. Well, now you can.

May 23, 2008

Qinter, Kansas

Photographer states :: Photo of a large tornado near Quinter, Kansas on May 23rd, 2008.

-deputy coroner for Weld County, identified the victim as Oscar Michael Manchester, 52, who had been living in a camper in the area for several years.

New Round of Tornadoes (click here) - This is NOW. This is TODAY.
...Anyone in this region should stay tuned to local broadcasts, have an emergency plan in place for seeking shelter and be aware of any watches and warnings in effect....

May 22, 2008
Windsor, Colorado

The tornadoes and winds are toppling brick walls.


May 22, 2008
Windsor, Colorado
Photographer states :: Damage from today's Tornado in Windsor, Colorado


May 23, 2008
0330z
UNISYS Water Vapor Satellite of North and West Earth Hemisphere (click here for current 12 hour loop)


May 23, 2008
0330z
UNISYS Water Vapor Satellite USA

May 22, 2008

Grainfield, Kansas

Photographer states :: Photo os a wallcloud with a developing tornado passing just to the north of our location on May 22nd, 2008. Photo copyright Mike Theiss

An old barn stands in a wheat field as a sever thunderstorm passes in the distance near Ogallah, Kan., Thursday, May 22, 2008. Severe thunderstorms dropped tornadoes across much of northwest Kansas. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

in Oberlin, KS, May 22 2008, while tornado sire...

escape forming tornado

Two Kansas Tornadoes

"We have a tornado, there is debris."

Tornado near Grainfield, KS, 22 May 2008

...another tornado the size of a small town? Really ? In Colorado ? Really ?

Rotating storm May 22, 2008 in Trego County Kansas

Barack Obama needs to stand his ground and do it without apologies. He's right. The conversation of the nation needs to be rehabilitated.