Will someone please find a way to slow down the agenda of the Democrats?

The answer is "No."

The 'dire' needs of the people of the USA can't be postponed and the article in The Chicago Tribune illustrates desperate pleadings of Conservatives. Funny thing, I would think The Chicago Tribune would be used to a pace set by President Obama when he was a Senator.

But, then again, for eight years the nation was lead by dummies, so perhaps no matter how intelligent the Executive Branch of the USA becomes it will always feel a little 'fast paced' and 'odd.' That 'odd' feeling may be felt by many in the USA and might even be used as a tool by the RNC, but, slow down the pace of an agenda long, long overdue? No one has put forward a valid reason why.

While pointing to Morris Udall as a person that liked to concentrate on the environment and 'one thing at a time' supposedly; it is an example that doesn't hold up. Perhaps the best place to look for 'fast and furious' change is "The New Deal" which saw two stimulus packages in two years.

FDR was elected when unemployment had a high of 32% and when taking office saw 25%. There were no loans from banks and most of the private sector was unregulated. The 'moment' in time that FDR captured brought this country, FDIC, TVA, Federal Housing Administration, Social Security, Federal Crop Insurance, and the much maligned SEC and Fannie Mae.

FDR placed enormous controls on the private sector which have been dissolved over the years. The most aggressive disruption in 'regulation' started in Gingrich's Contract with America Republicans in 1999 and then again during the Bush years. It was the dissolving of regulations in 1999 and since that have directly lead to the collapse of the financial sector. So. We have been here before and the need for RAPID change cannot be understated.

Change takes a lot of support, otherwise, it can be exploited by opposition politicians as odd and inappropriate. The change the Obama Administration provides was all based in 'mired down' ideologies and back peddling politics in the face of appropriate science. Leaving out the fiscal nightmare of thirty years of Republican domination, there are those 'warnings' that date back before 1960 regarding Greenhouse Gases and a warming planet. Rushing to replace OLD, tired infrastructure with measures to insure the USA isn't reliant on foreign oil and coersion is a matter of National Security and if you don't believe me, ask the military.

With a return of confidence in the financial sector, that may be a real indication of the 'bottoming' out of unemployment. Whether Americans like it or not, the exploitive Republican years placed them in record deficits that 'bought' them an economy at the expense of their children. But, according to Republican ideologies 'debt is necessary for growth.'

"W"rong.

Healthy growth for a country does not have to be accompanied by debt, but, more realistic is accompanied by success and profits. When enterprise profits and that enterprise finds demand by consumers that it cannot fill, then growth occurs. And that is guaranteed growth and not speculative growth. It is hideous to realize that speculation can provide debt without results. Those are faux values. Speculation can occur in areas of research in a healthy manner that is accompanied by 'risk' but not necessarily debt. It's called a budget.

During the WWII years the companies that showed greater profits after the war years were the ones that took advantage of their wartime profits and delved into research. They were prepared when the war ended to place new products in the market place when other companies weren't.

The USA economy under Republican leadership became 'hooked' on debt. Don't believe me? I thought we just saw the greatest demise of the global financial sector due to record debt and 'poorly placed debt.' Yes? Can't make this stuff up.

In recent conversations, the government told the auto sector they had to prove to be viable in the long run. A synonym (Gosh, a big word) for viability is solvency. Is it not? When we look to the companies we are INVESTING in as a people with something called 'bailout funds' are we not expecting those companies to obtain solvency and maintain it? I am.

And let me distinguish between the way the Obama Administration is very different than the previous Republican administration and why it seems 'scary' to some folks, primarily the Republican leaning populous. The debt the Obama Administration is focused is sincere and sustainable growth.

This administration does not simply 'SPEND' every dollar to buoy an economy. Granted a stimulus package results in spending, but, it is how that money is spent that constitutes sustainable growth. While the President himself stated, "A stimulus package is a spending bill, that is the purpose of it." The 'upside' to the Obama Stimulus isn't just a matter of throwing more dollars out in the market place in tax cuts or refunds, but, in solid measurable change in the country's infrastruture.

President Obama's interest in Amtrak is a focus the country has needed for a long time. If we as a country want to stop polluting CO2, then mass transit has to exist that will still facilitate travel and the service end of our economy. There was once a time in the USA when traveling by rail car was romantic and not a nightmare. Dining cars and sleeper cars were elegant and not run down due to lack of funding.

Not only that, but, an income was derived from those sources and services. Besides booking passage by rail car there was also income from the services of the people employed on the train.

I am not saying that everything President Obama touches will turn to gold. But, I am saying that if we are going to be responsible to ourselves and our children we have to change to meet the challenge of finding sustainable ways in transportation and enegy. The new electric grid will be a part of that, saving the automakers that are planning to build cars that are in demand by the USA public, finding the sincere survivors of a collapse of a financial sector and supporting them through rough territory are all part of that 'responsibility.'

The USA is going to look different, very different after all is done. This 'change' was supported by the electorate in November of 2008. It is change that has been abandoned except for this new Democratic administration and majority House and Senate. I sincerely believe some of the 'contracture' of the financial sector is here to stay. I believe the 14,000 DOW under Paulson was more hubris than substance and to that end, the financial sector 'was played' for political ends and manipulation. There was no reason for the 'alarm' at the end of the "W" administration. The DOW was deteriorating the entire time.

The difference 'this time' is that a return of the financial sector will be accompanied by measurable and sustainable growth. Real growth that cannot be undermined as it is accompanied by 'facts' derived from 'the truth.' I firmly believe, the Obama administration is concentrated on 'investment' in the USA and global communities, not just spending. That investment, including Stem Cell Research, will bring about measurable and sustainable growth that cannot be destroyed as it is in demand and palpable.

I am more than hopeful for the agenda of this Administration and Congress in DC. I believe they are leading where the USA wants to be and will result in growth that our children will enjoy no different than the long sustained changes of FDR's New Deal.

When seeing a 'fast paced' agenda in DC and wondering if the ship will hold together and achieve its desired end, remember that if the USA were allowed to linger on the destructive path it was before there would be a fast paced descent into ruin.


MORRIS UDALL
Awarded byPresident Bill Clinton
1996A World War II veteran and former professional basketball player, Udall represented Arizona during a distinguished thirty-year career in the House of Representatives. Afflicted with Parkinson's disease, he resigned his seat in 1991. Widely respected for his humor and quiet dignity, he served as the Chairman of the Interior Committee for fourteen years, leading the way on landmark environmental legislation, including the Alaska Lands Act, the 1984 Wilderness Act, and the 1982 Nuclear Waste Management Act.

Simple Assault in Iraq brings a three year prison term? It's a misdemeanor.

In the USA simple assault is a misdemeanor. This is definately simple assault. There was no deadly weapon used. There was absolutely no physical harm done. Muntazer al-Zaidi was not close enough to pose any real danger, Bush ducked. He had plenty of time to see a 'flying shoe' coming at him and he ducked. As a matter of fact, the Iraqi Prime Minister, what ever his name is, was able to attempt to shield Bush from the second flying shoe. This is outrageous. The shoe throwing was no more than simple assault and more an act of freedom of speech. This is Iraq? The 'jewel' of Bush's push for global democracy? I see.

The argument can even be made that Mr. Bush 'aggrivated' the incident by using inflammatory language and lies. The 'journalist' should have received a reprimand and nothing more. It's a war zone, what does anyone expect? A Flying Set of Shoes is a healthy response and one that does far less damage than a suicide bomb. That's a shame.

"...Zaidi told the court Thursday that his action was a natural response and that he did what any Iraqi would have done. In a court appearance last month, the journalist said the president's talk of "victory," combined with what Zaidi called his spiritless smile, proved too much after years of war and destruction following the U.S.-led invasion...."

The violence in Africa is ratcheting up since the Sudan removed NGOs.

NGOs and Peace Corp volunteers throughout the world bring vital services to people. Africa in particular is faced with diminished populations for a variety of reasons. Basically, what the average American with a high school education knows is far more than the average African.

Volunteers provide guidance and direction in water quality, food safety, hygiene, agriculture, conservation and education. One of the most sensitive areas of education in Africa today is the teaching of safety and health with HIV/AIDS. Of course one of the reasons the populous of Africa is so diminished is due to high deaths of young adults and parents. Frequently, the average longevity in Africa is about 55 years old or less.

Today Africa cannot progress, especially Sub-Sahara Africa, without educators and caregivers. The ratio of children to adults is vastly different than the rest of the world and without NGOs and Peace Corp volunteers the young people of Africa will grow up understanding ony violence and poverty. The loss of even one volunteer is intolerable.

continued...

Death of Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin (click title to entry)
Robert Wood
Acting Department Spokesman, Office of the Spokesman
Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
March 12, 2009
The State Department was saddened by the news of the death of a Peace Corps Volunteer stationed in Benin, West Africa. Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington has notified the volunteer’s next of kin. The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou has dispatched the Regional Security Officer and other personnel to the village where the volunteer was stationed, located several hours away from the capital. The Government of Benin has expressed condolences to the U.S. government and pledged full cooperation and support in this matter.The State Department expresses our deepest condolences to the family of the volunteer and the Peace Corps.

Peace Corps Volunteer Murdered in Africa (click here)
March 12, 2009 4:18 PM

ABC News' Kirit Radia Reports: A Peace Corps volunteer was found dead early this morning in the West African nation of Benin, the State Department said today. The victim's name and age were not provided. A State Department official said she had been stationed about six hours north of the capital."

The female volunteer was found outside her home and identified by colleagues and friends at the school where she worked as a teacher," acting State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters.

A senior State Department official later said it is believed she had been murdered, but offered no details on the circumstances of her death....

7-year-old son of Edo council boss kidnapped (click here)

By TONY OSAUZO, Benin

Friday, March 13, 2009
The seven-year-old son of the Chairman of Ovia South-West Local Government Council of Edo State, Master Etinosa Aighobahi, was yesterday kidnapped by gunmen as he was being dropped-off in school along Siluko Road, Benin City by his father’s driver.

The primary two pupil of Auntie Marie School was in the company of his two elder siblings when the gunmen struck. The elder siblings were said to have entered the school premises and Master Etinosa was about coming out of the car when the kidnappers got hold of him after firing several gun shots to scare away intruders.

At press time, the whereabouts of the little boy was unknown but the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Danlami Yar’Adua, who confirmed that the matter was reported at the Ogida Police Station, said investigation into the incident was on.

In a related development, Mr. Yar’Adua announced yesterday that operatives of the state police command have arrested a Dentistry student of the University of Benin who attempted to kidnap a prominent transporter in Benin yesterday morning....

It may be that some of this violence in Benin is related to the economic impact of oil and its current management that has lead to pollution and degradation of the environment for communities. We have witnessed violence in Niger when the countries people were literally murdered for the purpose of oil companies. They were murdered by government sactioned militias/police in the name of prosperity. The struggle in Niger (click here) went on for a long time before the people finally were able to overcome the pressures of both the oil companies and the government that supported them over the best interests of the Niger populous. The circumstanes in Benin might be taking on the same characteristics.

Devt of oil producing communities to take front burner—Oshiomhole (click here)
Written by GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE
Friday, 13 March 2009

...The governor, who spoke at a one-day forum on the repositioning of Edo State Oil & Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOPADEC) in Benin yesterday, lamented that for too long, oil producing communities have suffered obvious neglect as evidenced by environmental degradation, gas flaring and lack of basic amenities.
Stressing that developing oil-producing communities in the state must remain the concern of all, the governor enjoined agencies saddled with the responsibilities of developing the communities and oil companies to work in tandem with the host communities to address the problems....

Of course in the case of Benin, Niger is at one of the borders of that country and one has to wonder if much of the same element is causing issues resulting in violence against 'any' authority and especially Americans. Americans can be 'more disposable' and an easy excuse for violence when the 'excuse' is the opposition to teaching HIV/AIDS. In other words, what might be going on, taking example from Sudan, is an increase in violence to escalate the removal of NGOs and volunteers that would inhibit extraction of oil.

The United Nations knows full well that much of the violence that occurs in Africa surrounds issues of power as achieved by money as achieved through the exploitation of natural resources. In the case of the Sudan, the NGOs were displaced because the World Court charging human rights abuses in Darfur. The ability of a leader charged with such abuses to actually extricate NGOs is enough example for other entities throughout Africa to begin a movement that will spread like wildfire across the continent and old 'wars' will begin again. Especially of concern with Madagascar are the 'elements' in Somalia. It makes sense that threats have occurred in Madagascar following an escalation in authority in Sudan. It is all muscle flexing by terrorist elements trying to win their positions and secure their wealth in these regions.

Peace Corps remains in contact with all Volunteers in Madagascar (click here)

Peace Corps staff in Madagascar is working closely with the U.S. Embassy to carefully monitor the situation. They will, if necessary, take appropriate actions under the Peace Corps/Madagascar Emergency Action Plan. The safety and security of Volunteers is the number one priority of the Peace Corps.

...Each Peace Corps program has an Emergency Action Plan specific to that country and developed in cooperation with Peace Corps Washington and the local U.S. Embassy. The plans are evaluated and tested frequently and information is updated constantly. Volunteers are thoroughly trained in their roles and responsibilities, and posts are prepared for all emergencies.

Families may contact the Peace Corps/Madagascar Desk with any questions or concerns they may have at 202-692-2324 during business hours, and the Office of Special Services after hours. The Office of Special Services maintains a 24-hour, 7 days a week duty system. The telephone number during standard office hours is 1-800-424-8580, Extension 1470; the after hours number is 202-692-1470. The Office of Special Services can also be contacted via e-mail at ossdutyofficer@peacecorps.gov....

There has to be a return of NGOs to Darfur and their safety has to be enforced by the Sudan government. The NGOs are not responsible for the human rights abuses of President Al-bashir and their removal only speaks to the 'proof' of the Sudan's President willingness to neglect and enforce suffering on the populous there.

Sudan: Nigeria Supports AU's Position on Al-Bashir's Arrest Warrant (click here)
Aisha Umar
13 March 2009

Sudan Minister of International Cooperation Eltigani Fedail said Nigeria confirmed its support for the position of African Union on the warrant of arrest on President Al-bashir of Sudan by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Briefing journalists after meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Chief Ojo Madukwe in Abuja yesterday, Mr Fedail said Nigeria is committed to having peace in Sudan and that it support for the ICC warrant of arrest on President Al-bashir will not help to restore peace in the country.
He said Sudan government under President Al-bashir has allocated $1 billion on infrastructural development in Darfur, stressing that Al-bashir is the only president in Sudan that was able to sign peace agreement on conflict of over 20 years in Darfur.
He stated t "80 percent of the peace agreement has been implemented and the remaining 20 percent is on process but we cannot do more unless we have peace."...

The sad truth is that once there is a successful power play by an African leader it validates the ability of others to escalate their violence and win a war against civilized societies that have long worked within Africa to better the circumstances of the continent. The longer the Sudan President is able to displace benevolent efforts with impunity the greater the violence will become and the more it will spread. The arrest has to be made and the elements that are causing violence and kidnappings in Benin and Madagascar have to be thwarted to stop any escalation in Africa. Easy to write all this, it is far different to actually have it happen. Oddly, I would think the African Union and people from countries such as Rwanda would demand the removal of Al-Bashir while advancing the purpose of freedom and human rights for the entire continent.

Three aid workers kidnapped in Darfur as relief crisis deepens (click here)

Xan Rice in Nairobi
The Guardian, Friday 13 March 2009

...A Canadian nurse, an Italian doctor and a French project co-ordinator were still being held last night. "We have no information about the missing workers' whereabouts or the motives for the abduction," an MSF spokesperson said in Nairobi.
The agency said later that it would withdraw all medical teams from projects in Darfur and would leave only an essential skeleton team, who would try to secure the freedom of the staff being held hostage. "MSF is extremely worried both for our abducted colleagues and for the populations that MSF teams had been providing medical aid to," the agency said in a statement....

Carbons, Hydrogens and Oxygens. All very organic. Either its a benign agent or NOT.

Sorry, but, this is outrageous. There is no reason why any product is NOT tested for 'contents' of mixture. It can be done easily and without any expense during its licensing process by government agencies within the FDA.

Chromatography (click here)
NMR Spectroscopy (click here)
Infrared Spectroscopy (click here)

Any or all of these 'measurements' of chemical analysis can be performed by the manufacturer and the FDA or any licensing agency of government at very minimal cost. The labs that generate these products have any of these analytical tests right in their labs already. If there is an investigation to 1,4-Dioxane findings PRIOR to marketing these products, it will show up in their 'internal' research.

Guaranteed.

These chemicals are well known to the manufacturers long before they are marketed to insure the 'manufacturing' process is safe enough for employees and 'stable' enough for environmental safety and 'fire/explosive' capacity. I don't want to hear it. This is a huge 'designer loophole' that provides industry with a way of 'cheating' on product safety and providing larger profit margins when other additives would bring the same result with perhaps higher costs.

This is simply outrageous. No more 'marginal' allowances by the FDA. No more. Either a product is SAFE or its NOT. The Bush Advisory Board was the worst thing that happened to the consumer and it needs to be repelled and the FDA returned to its authority and ability to pull products from shelves. There is no excuse for 'marginally safe' products. There just isn't.

1,4-Dioxane occurs as a colorless flammable liquid that is miscible in water. (click title to entry - thank you)

Report: Toxins Common in Baby Products (Click here)
Of the Baby Products Tested, 61% Contained Formaldehyde and 1,4-Dioxane
By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
March 12, 2009 -- You aren’t likely to see the chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane listed on the labels of baby bath products, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there, a consumer group is warning.
More than half of children’s bath soaps, shampoos, lotions, and other personal care products tested by the group Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) were found to contain 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde, according to a report released today.
Both of the chemicals are considered probable carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Because they are not intentionally added by manufacturers, there is no requirement that product labels list the chemicals when they are present....



1,4-Dioxane chair

GM is solvent? In control? WOW. We done good. We done really good. I hope GM proves the bailout was the best method.

In this Dec. 12, 2008 file photo, the General Motors logo is seen outside the GM headquarters in downtown Detroit. General Motors Corp. on Thursday, March 12 said its restructuring plan is starting to take hold, improving the automaker's fortunes at least to the point that it won't need a $2 billion government loan installment that it had requested for March. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

...Industry analysts weren't celebrating, but they did credit century-old GM for its restructuring efforts, which include closing 11 factories, cutting 50,000 jobs and slashing structural costs by roughly $12 billion from 2005 to 2008.
Jim Hall, managing director of 2953 Analytics of Birmingham, Mich., said GM has used its crisis to figure out how to manage costs better than at any time in its history....

Industry Minister Tony Clement Acknowledges Ratification of General Motors Canada Agreement by the Canadian Auto Workers (click here)

updated 10:12 p.m. ET, Wed., March. 11, 2009

..."The Government of Canada acknowledges the CAW's agreement with GM Canada as a further step in the restructuring of the automotive industry. This is a time for all stakeholders to work together and, frankly, to give a little in the interest of keeping a sustainable industry in Canada....

GM UAW Savings Said to Be Double Ford’s $500 Million (Update2) (click here)

...GM needs labor and debt holder concessions of more than $28.5 billion as part of an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to keep $13.4 billion in loans. GM is also trying to convince President Barack Obama’s auto task force to free up as much as $16.6 billion more to keep the largest U.S. automaker out of bankruptcy.
The company’s proposal to Canadian workers was accepted today, with 87 percent voting to ratify the contract, the Canadian union said in a PRNewswire statement.
Ford manufacturing chief Joe Hinrichs said he didn’t see how GM could realize twice the savings of Ford from its agreement with the UAW.
“You’d think it would be proportional to us,” Hinrichs said in an interview.
Similar Agreements
Ford, which is not seeking U.S. aid, said today that a new labor agreement and modifications to a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association union retiree health-care fund will save $500 million annualized, with about 75 percent of that realized this year. The estimate of GM savings includes only the contract concessions and not any changes to the VEBA, the people said....

GM's Saab says eyed by group of Swedish investors (click here)
Thu Mar 12, 2009 4:40pm EDT

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - General Motors' (GM.N) Swedish unit Saab Automobile said on Thursday a group of Sweden-based investors had shown interest in the company.
"I cannot disclose who they are. But I can confirm that there is a group of investors in Sweden which has shown interest," Saab spokesman Eric Geers told Reuters.
Geers said the loss-making carmaker, whose U.S. parent has said it will sever ties to the brand, was being courted by six to eight "very large" companies in total.
Earlier on Thursday Saab said it had given 750 employees at its Trollhattan plant notice of redundancy.

Madoff is like a doctor treating his own pain, doesn't know how to stop and becomes an addict.

This is not a court hearing for Madoff. This was 'about' the time he states he started his Ponzi Scheme. Where it gets really scary is to realize our government was actually taking testimony from a man that was practicing 'The Art of The Con.'

For years the SEC was told there was something "W"rong with the Madoff enterprise, but, due to the fact his 'authority' was entangled in politics he was regarded as believable over and above others that simply knew better.

This is a prime example of how government policy fails to protect our nation and its citizens from 'criminality.' Scary. Very scary to realize how much someone with credentials can disaffect the policies of an entire nation.

Political capital. Bernard Madoff was granted political capital and he wasn't even known by most Americans. Why was he above the law for so long?


In this Thursday, May 13, 1993 file photo, Richard Grasso, president, New York Stock Exchange, left, joined by former Security and Exchange Commission Chairman, David S. Ruder, center, and Bernard Madoff, chairman of Madoff Investment Securities, appear before the House subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance in Washington. Damage continued to ripple from the massive fraud allegedly engineered by storied Wall Street money manager Bernard Madoff Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, even as investigators worked to unravel the scheme's working and its reach. (AP Photo)

Another milestone for Michael Moore. Congratulations, Mr. Moore.

Michael Moore has worked long and hard for the 'status' he has obtained. His success hasn't come easy, nor without personal cost. He has been the one consistent voice for freedom and truth in the USA and today, the theater he saved from demise is becoming a landmark of 'Movie Excellence.' I am more than happy for him.

Congrats, Mike !



We did it again! Thanks to all of you, the historic State Theatre of Traverse City was the number one theater in North America this week among the 312 theaters showing "Doubt." This happened in spite of the fact that the local Carmike chain's multiplex had already played "Doubt" for ten weeks. Our attendance was SEVEN TIMES the national average! In a news flash from Hollywood, here are the top ten grossing theaters for "Doubt" in North America this past weekend:


1. State Theatre, Traverse City MI


2. Lincoln Square 13, New York NY


3. Village East 7, New York NY


4. Empire 25, New York NY


5. Forum 22, Montreal QC


6. San Francisco Centre 9, San Francisco CA


7. Sedona 6, Sedona AZ


8. Angelika Film Center 8, Dallas TX


9. Lake 7, Oak Park (Chicago) IL


10. Olympus Pointe 12, Roseville (Sacramento) CA


That's right. We topped the theater in Lincoln Square in New York City. What the heck is going on here? It's hard to explain to the Hollywood brass. What do you think I should tell them? Drop me an email and let me know what to tell them when they ask me, "What is it about the State Theatre?" They're starting to think we're not really of this planet....





Michael Moore, co-founder with John Robert Williams and Doug Stanton, addressing the audience at the State Theatre.

Wasteful use of Disaster Relief Funds. Ships have a right to safe passage.

Hurricane Ike was the 10th largest diameter in gail strength of all recorded hurricane systems.


Image of Hurricane Ike on September 4, 2008 as it began to near peak intensity. The image was taken by the International Space Station (ISS) from over 220 miles (350 km) above the hurricane.


The above image is of Hurricane Ike near its peak velocity as it existed at the Lesser Antilles. Below is its path. With traditional paths of Atlantic hurricanes comes drought relief. If the Atlantic hurrican is sequestered further south in the hemisphere, the drought relief that normally comes with these storms may never be realized.


When the President of the USA declares and area a 'disaster area' that doesn't mean 'just' a free money giveaway. It means there is funding available to clean up the mess. What occurred here is wasteful use of federal funding that never addressed the 'real' problems of the people.


While much debris from Hurricane Ike washed ashore, an untold amount sank or remains partially submerged in Galveston Bay, creating dangerous situations for boaters, who can strike the hard-to-see obstructions.

What lies beneath (click title to entry - thank you)
That mountain of stuff washed off the Bolivar Peninsula during Hurricane Ike poses a very real threat to boaters
By SHANNON TOMPKINS
Houston Chronicle
March 12, 2009, 3:40AM
Port Bolivar-based fishing guide Jim West has spent thousands of days roaming East Galveston Bay over the past quarter-century-plus, poking his boat’s bows into every nook, cove, bayou, drain and stretch of shoreline of the bay on which he lives and works. Few know the eastern lobe of the Galveston Bay system more intimately or feel more comfortable scooting across its surface.
But these days, West pays very close attention when he’s running his boat in many parts of the bay.
“You have to watch it — especially when you’re running fairly shallow or on low tides,” West said. “There is a lot of stuff out there you don’t want to hit.”
That “stuff” is debris Hurricane Ike swept into the bay almost six months ago. There is a lot of it, and it poses a substantial hazard to boaters.
When the hurricane’s winds and storm surge swept over Bolivar Peninsula, they crushed, crumbled, uprooted and carried away much of what was on the spit of land separating the Gulf of Mexico from East Bay, shoving a mountain of debris into the bay....

Cyclone Hamish of Australia did the unexpected.

Noted below are heat transfers from Austalia into Antarctica, water vapor accumulations over Greenland due to ice sublimation and question marks all over the Northern Hemisphere. Let there be no doubt, those question marks are high altitude vortices distributing heat throughout the ice fields. There is no question in my mind, this is NOT a healthy water planet and the reason is toxic levels of carbon dioxide in the troposphere.


March 11, 2009
0600
Global image of water vapor distribution

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
1100 gmt
African Satellite Image of water vapor (storms)

These early dynamics appear to be the 'birth place' of the upcoming Atlantic Hurrican Season. It will be interesting to see its progression and how far north theses storms actually move without losing velocity due to sparce water vapor content in the troposphere.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
0925 gmt
Africa-Europe Satellite Image

Let's complete the picture. Asia's typhoon season has mostly settled down, Australia's Cyclone Season is well underway and what is coming is a return to the Atlantic Hurricane Season. However, the 'water vapor' available to support Atlantic Hurricanes might be sparce. So, where then will the hurricanes develop and will they be traditional in their paths? I believe the answer to that question is revealed in this image of Africa where the beginnings of the Atlantic Hurricane season are spawning but far more south than normal. That is not to say there will be no 'land fall' of these storms. They will still swing north due to the curve of Earth, but, where exactly will those turns occur and how strong will these storms become because of their new trajectory?

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
1130z
UNISYS Water Vapor Satellite of North and West Hemisphere


March 11, 2009
0922 gmt
Western Hemisphere Satellite Image


Wednesday, March 11, 2009
0628 gmt
Global Pacific Satellite Image


Wednesday, March 11, 2009
1111 gmt
Western Pacific Satellite Image

A portion of the storm did effect cities in Australia. But it was connected to a heat transfer system with destinations across the Pacific toward North America and into the Arctic Circle. Same pattern as previously noted with the tornado activity in NA.

Winds of change blow too gently (click here)
March 11 Bill Hoffman
The winds that swirled through the trees around our homes, rattled windows and made roofs shudder, yesterday morning were the mild impact of a weakening cyclone.At its full fury, Cyclone Hamish rivalled Larry which wrecked Innisfail stripping houses from their frames and Hurricane Katrina which destroyed New Orleans.
Scientists I spoke to this week warn we can expect more cyclones as the reality of climate change makes itself increasingly apparent in the coming years. We can also expect that they will form further down the coast and that they will increase in intensity.
In 1859 Charles Darwin, as quoted in Jonathon Porritt’s book “Capitalism – as if the world matters’’, made the following observation:“It is not the strongest or most intelligent that survive but the ones that are most responsive to change’’....


Wednesday, March 11, 2009
2242 AED
Australian Isobar Map

After changing direction, Cyclone Hamish diminished in strength to a Cat 2 storm. It can be noted on this isobar map.

Do we know why it veered to the East contrary to the predictions? Yes, we do. There should be no doubt about the path of this storm based on previous posts on this blog. I know you know.


...Category 4 storm ...but instead, the storm veered more east than south, drawing the eye of the still-powerful storm away from land.

Are those 'Fiscal Bears' something or what? Starting to feel like family. Nice.

This is the Nikkei. Incredible for this exchange. I am proud of the 'responsible' investors on Earth. Good job, everyone !

Nikkei jumps 4.6 pct as banks rise after Citi news (click title to entry - thank you)
Wed Mar 11, 2009 2:08am EDT

TOKYO, March 11 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average gained 4.6 percent on Wednesday, its biggest percentage rise in six weeks, as financial shares climbed after Citigroup's (C.N) chief executive said the U.S. bank was making profits.
Toshiba Corp (6502.T) surged more than 9 percent after a newspaper reported it may see an operating profit of about 100 billion yen ($1 billion) in the next business year, while other tech shares climbed in the wake of strong gains by their U.S. peers.
The benchmark Nikkei .N225 rose 321.14 points to 7,376.12, a day after posting a 26-year closing low. The broader Topix rose 2.7 percent to 722.28. (Reporting by Elaine Lies)

Now I know we are going places. The South African Rand had gains today. Nice. Very nice. Gold held some more value today as well.

Everything in moderation, steady as we go.

South African Rand Rises Against Dollar, Reversing Earlier Drop (click here)
By John Kohut
March 11 (Bloomberg) -- South Africa’s rand rose, reversing an earlier decline against the dollar.
The rand strengthened 0.3 percent to 10.2537 per dollar at 1:31 p.m. in Johannesburg, after earlier losing as much as 1.4 percent. Against the euro, it was little changed at 13.0480. The rand slid as much as 1 percent versus the common European currency earlier.
Government bonds retreated, with the yield on South Africa’s benchmark 13.5 percent note due September 2015 rising five basis points to 7.95 percent. Yields move inversely to bond prices.
To contact the reporters on this story: John Kohut in London jkohut@bloomberg.net. Last Updated: March 11, 2009 07:42 EDT

I'll tell you something. The 'better balanced' the world's economies are the 'safer' investors will find their holdings.

When currency like the South African Rand makes in roads against a strong dollar it tells me that we are on the right track. There should be good equity in every country. Viable economies for all people on Earth. Consumer spending in every country with manufacturing in every country and rigorous trading partnerships is the way I see this planet. Green economies everywhere for people in love with life and the joy of success by each other in placing high quality goods in the market place.

We can do this. I know we can. The economies of the world need 'strength training' and endurance runs. Not to fast, not to slow. High quality durable goods for a market place that is benevolent and well by all people. It has to come to pass.

Watch the inventories, manufacture to demand and don't cheapen the quality of any product. Do not over extend in hopes of 'busting' into a market. We aren't anywhere near that type of optimism and it usually leads to losses and not gains.

Don't 'cheapen' the market place. There is nothing wrong with people saving for what they want in big ticket items either. The market place needs to move away from 'the now generation satisfaction' feeling. When consumers 'save' it improves banks and liquidity. Nothing wrong with credit as long as its good quality credit. There is no 'rush' to any return of stockholder receipts. Patience is a virtue and all have to appreciate it, including the consumer.

High quality goods equal strong bottom lines and that equals well paid and well cared for employees. No more MESS. The people that can maneuver this well in the market place know how to 'grow' economies that will endure.

Build strong 'baseline' economies and investors will never find themselves in this position again. I promise you. Stong 'baselines' add security to speculation and investing. Don't ever over extend again and never tap into the 'rock solid baseline' an empire can be built on. NEVER !

We can do this ! Oh, yes we can !

President Obama is incredible in keeping his campaign promises, even with only one Minnesota Senator

Even with a 'statistical' win, Norm Coleman would not win the Senate election.

Coleman's hopes are down to 1,360 ballots (click title to entry - thank you)
That's the number of absentee ballots that his side says were wrongly rejected and that he's counting on to help erase Al Franken's 225-vote lead....
...If the ballots identified by Coleman were allocated to the candidates based on the percentage of the vote they got in each county, he would pick up 596 votes, Franken would pick up 539 and other candidates would get 225....

Earmarks and why they have become a 'bad word.' With Bush/Cheney it became a way of political life.

The 'flip' of this is that Biden would ride the train everyday. I know Delaware is a lot closer than Alaska, but, corporate jets?

Alaska lawmaker promoted earmarks, raked in cash (click here)
...With money pouring in from transportation interests, Young (click here) amassed $6.5 million in political contributions from 2001 to 2005. Facing weak political opposition at home, he didn’t need much for his campaign. Instead, Young tapped his campaign fund to travel the country, often lavishly and in corporate jets, to meet with more developers and view their proposed highway projects....



Appropriations Bill
Earmark (click title to entry - thank you)
2008 Baseline
Agriculture and Rural Development
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Defense
Energy and Water Development
Financial Services and General Government
Homeland Security
Interior and Environment
Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs
State and Foreign Operations
Transportation and Housing and Urban Development

Obama's Budget: How Much In Earmarks For Small Businesses? (click here)
March 11, 2009 10:20 AM ET Matthew Bandyk

The $410 billion federal budget is poised to be signed by the president. And, as usual, it's loaded with earmarks. So how big of a slice of the pork barrel pie is going towards small-business-related programs?
First, we have $65.6 million in earmarks for the Small Business Administration. This chunk is made up mostly of money for small-business development and training programs in local areas and universities, such as $300,000 for a "business incubator" at Bevill State Community College in Alabama, or $100,00 for a "minority and women-owned business program" in the city of Hagerstown, Maryland. But even among these SBA earmarks, we see allocations that seem only tangentially related to small businesses, such as $712,500 for Appalachian State University to study the economic effects of "agritourism" in western North Carolina. Overall, the SBA gets a fairly sizable amount of earmarks. It's more than, say the Fish and Wildlife Service ($46 million) or the Department of Labor ($41.2 million), but far less than, say, the Department of Education ($262 million)....

"I am unhappy, where is my gun." The NRA has a lot to answer for today. Police don't carry assault weapons. There is no place for them in the USA.

Of course everyone at the NRA has the answer to all this violence. They would advise everyone to arm themselves and shoot to kill. So, instead of a society in the USA void of assault weapons that act to enforce drug kingpins that decapitate Mexicans to enforce anarchy and kill Mexican police officers; the NRA rather sell the lousy stuff to the general public and INCREASE anarchy and violence.

Hm?

That is a 'peaceable' organization within the borders of the USA? I think not !

Trooper says Alabama gunman had trained to be police officer (click title to entry for video - thank you)
(NECN: Samson, Ala.) - The man responsible for a deadly shooting spree in Alabama has been identified as 28-year-old Michael McLendon.
McLendon gunned down 10 people yesterday, including at least five of his family members, before turning the gun on himself.
Food manufacturer and distributor Kelley Foods said in a statement today that Michael McLendon voluntarily left the position he had held for nearly two years last Wednesday.
Public Information Officer, Trooper Kevin Cook says McLendon had no known criminal record.
Cook said in 2003, McLendon was briefly employed as a police officer in Samson, but failed to complete required training at the police academy in Montgomery.

Assault weapons aren't about sport, they are about killing. A huge difference. Of course the NRA would state, "It is a right." Well. What about the rights of those of us that don't abide by the bullet?

Guns need to be banned in State and Federal Parks. There is no reason for them, when other protections can be garnered including mace. The 'critters' aren't armed after all.

Assault weapons are not about FREEDOM or individual rights, they are about taking away the rights of others in peace with their country's laws.


INTERIOR RESPONDS TO SENATORS
Gun Rules May Be Eased in U.S. Parks (click here)
By Christopher Lee
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 28, 2008; Page A15
Visitors to some national parks would be able to start packing heat along with their tents and picnic baskets under a proposal being considered by the Interior Department that would ease restrictions on loaded firearms in the parks.
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said last week that officials would review long-standing regulations that require firearms in most national parks to be unloaded and inoperable -- through the use of trigger locks, for example, or storage in a car trunk or a special case. The department intends to propose new rules by April 30.
The review pits the National Rifle Association and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers against park rangers and advocates who decry the move as election-year posturing that could make the parks more dangerous.
Kempthorne's action comes in response to two recent letters from 51 senators -- 44 Republicans and seven Democrats -- requesting that the National Park Service align its gun rules with state laws. If a state permits citizens to carry concealed weapons, the national parks in that state should, too, they argued....


Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin holds a confiscated AK-47 rifle during a news conference Thursday afternoon where the police department outlined the details of a large drug bust on Wednesday. Mike Maple The Commercial Appeal

This is from an article in 2008. Powerful guns, drugs and cash. Below the Southern Border and north of it.

Police raid yields heroin (click here)
Firearms, marijuana and cash also seized
By Hank Dudding, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Friday, July 11, 2008
Memphis police showcased a cache of drugs, weapons and money -- real and bogus -- on Thursday, the bounty from raids that officers hope will put a crimp in drug sales and related violence.
"This is going to make a big difference out there," said Police Director Larry Godwin, who displayed the seized materials at the MPD's organized crime facility Downtown....

The gun laws aren't the issue. Gun laws work when they are in place and adhered to, Germany has tough gun laws, but, in Poland it is easy to obtain guns and bring them across any German border. No different than the USA, the gun laws work when they are adhered to, it is when the laws are either applied or followed that guns victimize society. We saw the same use of guns at Virginia Tech. The gun laws hold up so long as they are followed and enforced. The NRA is "W"rong and they know they are wrong, but, it is money that drives their demands for 'Rights beyond the USA Constitution' and NOT love of country. The 2nd Amendment is in regard to militias (which the USA no longer has) and not individuals. In any country caught up in this fiscal whirlwind there is going to be stress among the populous, it should never be complicated by free access to guns, especially assault weapons. The EU should apply strict gun laws throughout Europe and not treat each country as though they have different priorities to arming their citizens.

In the USA, Bush/Cheney/NRA 'loaded' the streets of this country with hideous amounts of firearms while they sank the economy. They USED the sale of firearms as a way to buoy their economic failures and now some people are finding it easier to kill than 'live through it.'

After attacks, Europe hurries to tighten gun laws (click here)
By MATTI HUUHTANEN – 3 hours ago
HELSINKI (AP) — Several European countries have restricted gun laws in the wake of school massacres, gang violence and other gun-related crimes:
_Finland announced plans Wednesday to impose stricter restrictions on firearms, including raising the minimum age for handgun ownership from 15 to 20. The proposal was prompted by two school massacres within a year in which lone gunmen opened fire on classmates and teachers.
_Germany, where a gunman killed at least 11 people Wednesday, raised the legal age for owning recreational firearms from 18 to 21 following a 2002 shooting in Erfurt that killed 16 people, including 12 teachers.
_Belgian lawmakers passed strict new gun control laws in 2006 in reaction to the racially motivated shooting deaths of a toddler and her black baby sitter in Antwerp.
_Swiss citizens are demanding a referendum aimed at confining army weapons to military compounds and banning private purchases of pump-action rifles and automatic weapons — following a spate of suicides and homicides.
_The Portuguese Parliament is currently discussing a government proposal to tighten gun laws, including denying bail to anyone suspected of a gun crime.
_Denmark's government said last week it will raise the penalty for illegal gun possession as part of a crackdown on gang violence that has killed three people and injured 25 in recent months.
_European Union lawmakers proposed tighter gun control across the bloc last year, including guidelines saying that only people over 18 not deemed a threat to public safety could buy and keep guns. EU members have until 2010 to adopt the measures.
In addition, some U.S. states have recently tightened gun laws as well:
_ Colorado, a year after the 1999 Columbine High School shootings, made it a felony to buy a firearm for another person who should know the transaction is illegal, barred anyone from giving a firearm to a juvenile without the consent of the parents; made it illegal for a person not to try to prevent a juvenile from committing a gun crime; and increased the penalty for possession of a weapon by a felon.
But three years later, the state expanded gun rights instead, by requiring sheriffs to issue gun permits to people who pass a criminal background check, prohibiting local governments from making gun laws more restrictive than the state's, and abolishing local registries of gun owners.
_ In Virginia, where a student killed 32 people at Virginia Tech in 2007 before committing suicide April 16, 2007, the governor signed an executive order requiring that anyone ordered by a court to get mental health treatment be added to a database of people barred from buying guns.

Government urged to endorse Arms Trade Treaty (click here)
ISLAMABAD (March 07 2009): A day long, National Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Consultation on an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) organised by Community Appraisal & Motivation Programme (Camp) here on Friday urged the government to endorse Arms Trade Treaty.

The objectives of the event were to build civil society interest in national and international arms export control issues, strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations at provincial and national levels to constructively engage the government of Pakistan on the need for an ATT, deepen the involvement of civil society organisations in Arms Control campaign, develop recommendations through consultation and submit a comprehensive report to the Government.

The workshop was attended by people representing civil society organisations and all walks of life from all over the country. Participants were briefed and sensitised on the issue by a panel of experts. They comprised of Salma Malik a small arms expert, Dr Ijaz Khan Khattak, Asst. Professor of International Relation Department, University of Peshawar, Dr Ayesha Siddiqua, writer and security analyst, Raza Shah Khan Executive Director of Spado, Dr Naeem Ahmed, Asst. Professor of International Relations Department at Karachi University and Naveed Ahmad Shinwari, the Chief Executive of Camp.

Addressing the session, Ayesha Siddiqua said that the ease at which it was possible to obtain small arms has rapidly increased trends of violence in Pakistan. Casualties from small arms are more than that of nuclear weapons. She stressed the need for an urgent and comprehensive civil society campaign against this menace....

Lock them up, don't let them out. If Sharia Law doesn't dictate the end of the gun trade in Pakistan then drop bombs at will.

It would appear as though investors haven't fallen off the back of a turnip truck after all.

The big loser of the day? Ready? The MOST unpredictable stock in the market place engages in 'trade wind' consumer consumption. It is NOT a 'safe' investment. It is pure unadulterated speculation and the very LAST stock a 'Bear' would find interesting.

Brown-Forman Corporation (click here)
BF.B: NYSE; Non-Cyclical Consumer Goods & Services/Beverages - Distillers & Wineries

I am very, very hopeful in realizing the choices made today. It would seem as though investors are playing it close to the vest and I am more than proud of them. They could not have made better choices.

The choices made today by investors show an incredible insight to protections of reentering a very difficult market to predict. I believe their instincts could not be better and I would even reassure them that they should have increased confidence in their investing. Why? Because there are no surprises with this President of the USA. He is a 'rock' and knows where this country has to go. His agendas across every discipline of his cabinet are clear and are consistent with the desires for change of the American people. This market is more predictable than any 'Bear' can imagine.

What is even more encouraging is the courage global investors have shown today. Every market has an upward trend today, except for the Nikkei and it was a minor loss today compared to recent volatility. Gold is down because 'caution' is being stripped away from other markets and the commodities will experience change. This is a very hopeful view of one day of concentrated restructuring in the fiscal markets.

I would encourage any investor to continue to be cautious and enjoy the 'idea' of participating in a revitalization of the USA. The gains will be notable. The global markets will regain their footing and even the Nikkei will enjoy increases in volume and profit not experienced in other markets.

The global community is in this together and through careful analysis each market will find its 'best' and 'worst' and hone its interests in a Brave New World.

Thank you for today. We are hopeful tomorrow will be just as rewarding and insightful.

This was the big winner of the day. Get this. Real estate. You want to know why? Can you guess? I can guess. One cannot conduct business without real estate. Not the kind of business that Wall Street conducts.

So.

Why not get in on a real estate investment company that has a proven track record of knowing where to purchase 'commercial' real estate that is useful? Right? Very interesting.

Developers Diversified Realty Corporation (click here)
DDR: NYSE; Financials/REIT - Residential & Commercial

The weather in Antarctica (Crystal Wind Chime) is warmer than usual. It is the best 'temperature' image in a while.

Polar Plants - Issue 12, March 2009 (click title to entry - thank you)
Did you know that Antarctica is home to two species of plants? At the opposite end of the earth, over a thousand plant species grow on the Arctic tundra. And that's not counting the many species of algae and lichens that are not classified as plants. In this issue, we highlight high quality resources for teaching plant classification, life cycles, and adaptations. Enrich your practice with our professional resources and discover science lessons and informational text to engage your students.
Photo: White cottongrass in Kangerlussuaq, West Greenland. Photo copyright Henning Thing / DPC, Polar Photos.


March 10, 2009
12 PM utc
Antarctica Surface Wind Image (click here for animation for March 9 & 10)

There is obvious movement of air from the colder and higher elevations to the lower elevations. There are also 'on shore' winds that bring hotter temperatures.


March 10, 2009
0600 gmt
Antarctica Jet Stream Image (click here for film loop from March 5 through March 8)

The reason there is so much heat and loss of frigid air is obvious, especially when reviewing the film loop. There are heat transfers resolving their traverse from the Equator over the Blue Ice in Antarctica. While the Peninsula is a completely different issue, the Blue Ice is directly hit by the heat from the Equator.


March 10, 2009

In only five days the frigid air mass has shifted again and there is far less cold air over the 'entire' of Antarctica as noted however there is a migration of cold air off the higher elevations to the Peninsula where it will warm.

The Peninsula does receive heat transfers as noted in the falling pressure and increased cloudiness, however, there is also movement of air from the high elevation Blue Ice to the Peninsula due to the arrival of the less dense heat transfer. The denser cold air 'falls off' the higher elevation as it is pushed out from air masses arriving at higher elevations in the troposphere but increasing in density as it cools while subliming the Blue Ice. In other words, there are far too many air molecules at higher elevations to maintain 'stagnant' air masses of cold air.


March 5, 2009


March 10, 2009
12 PM utc
Antarctica Temperature Image (click here for 24 hour loop)

Coldest reporting stations in Antarctica are below. There is a marked difference between the two stations besides elevation. Elevation is important to realize the coldness and sun exposure, however, these two stations have different 'weather conditions.' Clean Air has clouds and percipitation while Vostok does not. Clouds insulate Earth with heat as it reflects 'infrared' back to the planet. The warmest areas today are both reporting scattered clouds. I have included the information regarding Base Orcadas, Antarctica to include the issue of humidity. The pressure readings are falling at this reporting station as there is higher humidity and overcast conditions with higher temperatures. Noted also, the overcast conditions extend vertically in the troposphere to 689 feet.

Vostok, Antarctica

Local Time: 11:21 PM VOST (GMT +06)

Lat/Lon: 78.4° S 106.9° E (Google Map)

Updated :: 5 hr 21 min 58 sec ago

Temperature :: -73 °F

Conditions :: Clear

Humidity: 34%

Dew Point: -81 °F

Wind: 9 mph from the SSW

Wind Gust: -

Pressure: in (Falling)

Visibility: 12.0 miles

Elevation: 11220 ft



Clean Air, Antarctica

Local Time: 5:24 PM GMT (GMT +00)

Lat/Lon: 89.9° S 0.0° W (Google Map)

Updated: 5 hr 34 min 29 sec ago

Temperature :: -44 °F

Conditions :: Light Snow Grains Blowing Snow

Windchill: -76 °F

Wind: 16 mph from the NE

Pressure: 28.22 in (Rising)

Visibility: 0.5 miles

UV: 0 out of 16

Clouds: Overcast 3000 ft (Above Ground Level)

Elevation: 9285 ft

Base Esperanza, Antarctica

Local Time: 5:35 PM GMT (GMT +00)

Lat/Lon: 63.4° S 57.0° W

Updated: 2 hr 35 min 13 sec ago

Temperature :: 44 °F

Conditons :: Scattered Clouds

Humidity: 60%

Dew Point: 35 °F

Wind: Calm

Wind Gust: -

Pressure: 29.00 in (Rising)

Visibility: 6.0 miles

Clouds: Few 984 ft

(Above Ground Level)

Elevation: 43 ft



Base Marambio, Antarctica

Local Time: 5:35 PM GMT (GMT +00)

Lat/Lon: 64.2° S 56.7° W

Updated: 2 hr 35 min 43 sec ago

Temperature :: 42 °F

Conditoins :: Scattered Clouds

Humidity: 46%

Dew Point: 28 °F

Wind: 7 mph from the NW

Wind Gust: -

Pressure: 28.97 in (Rising)

Visibility: 12.0 miles Clouds: Few 9843 ft

(Above Ground Level)

Elevation: 650 ft

Base Orcadas, Antarctica

Local Time: 3:36 PM GST (GMT -02)

Lat/Lon: 60.8° S 44.7° W

Updated: 2 hr 36 min 34 sec ago

Temperature :: 37 °F

Conditons :: Overcast

Humidity: 96%

Dew Point: 36 °F

Wind: 21 mph from the North Wind Gust: -

Pressure: 29.13 in (Falling)

Visibility: 9.0 miles

UV: 1 out of 16

Clouds: Overcast 689 ft

(Above Ground Level)

Elevation: 20 ft