Good 'Ole Boy McCrory will be ecstatic if the University of North Carolina bankrupts because of the lack of federal funding.

He and Pope don't want public universities and colleges anymore. They have cronies that need to be feed.

The University of North Carolina has provided invaluable people to the brain trust of the USA. All UNC has to do is note the importance of it's educational system as a national security issue to stand against the political paradigm in Raleigh that enforces religion over government, hence civil rights violations.

There are a lot of issues within the UNC system since McCrory took office. It is their favorite game.'

March 19, 2016
By Jedediah Purdy

...In response to a series of questions, (click here) Fennebresque insisted that the decision was not about politics, at least not “to the best of my knowledge.” Few observers believed that there was not some political motivation. Ross, a former judge, once headed the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, a major funder of progressive causes in North Carolina. Since Republicans, many of them affiliated with the Tea Party movement, took over the North Carolina General Assembly in 2010, the board of governors has become a Republican redoubt. Ross, in an answer to one question, did allude to the elephant in the room, observing, “There’s been a dramatic change in the state’s leadership, in policymakers.”...

There has been a lot of administrative turbulence in most of the public universities.

It is called corruption of the public trust.

January 26, 2015
By Jesse Saffron  The Benedictine monks (click here) who founded Belmont Abbey College 138 years ago are better known for peacefulness than for trend-setting. But the Gaston County campus is the scene of a bold experiment watched by other private liberal-arts colleges in North Carolina. Belmont Abbey cut its annual tuition and required fees by a third in 2013 to $18,500 and didn’t raise the price this year, putting the college well below the $25,000 to $33,000 a year that many of its peers charge. William Peace University in Raleigh cut its tuition by nearly $2,000, to $23,700, in 2012. So far no other private or public university in the state has made a similar decision. Tuition at North Carolina’s public colleges is much lower, ranging from about $4,500 per year at Elizabeth City State University to $8,100 at N.C. State and UNC Chapel Hill. Belmont Abbey wants to make the school more accessible to students from low- and middle-income families and to narrow its academic focus, President William Thierfelder says. Along with the tuition cuts, Belmont Abbey eliminated 16 of 85 administrative employees in April, cutting $1 million from its $26 million annual budget. The lower costs should help push enrollment from almost 900 traditional students this year to 1,000 over the next few years, college spokesman Rolando Rivas says. (The school offers a separate program for older adults.)...

The McCrory administration is breeding hate because of their religious push in North Carolina. I blame that hubris that created attitudes that lead to the death of there Muslims students.

February 11, 2015
By Saeed Ahmed and Catherine E. Shoichet
Was it a dispute (click here) lover a parking space or something more sinister that prompted the shooting death of three students in an apartment near the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus?
Police said "an ongoing neighbor dispute over parking" might have been a factor in the shootings Tuesday evening but said they weren't dismissing the possibility of a hate crime.
The victims -- a newlywed couple and the bride's younger sister -- were shot in the head,sources told CNN affiliate WRAL.
Their families say the gunman had threatened the victims before, and they believe the shootings were a hate crime....

There are many reasons for UNC to stand up to Raleigh's Hate Culture that would destroy its educational excellence.

The plutocratic presidential movement.

Merriam Webster has no definition of presidential. It begins with president and then presidential government, but, there is no such definition in the language.

What is the definition of Presidential?

Presidential means the person wears a suit, with shoes that are shiny. The person has good posture. It is unclear whether or not the person actually is personable or more robotic. That aspect needs clarity.

I suppose presidential means not stating Mexico will pay for the wall. I guess a presidential person would automatically assume the USA's ego over rides any policy that saves money for a treasury filled by taxpayers.

Let's see. Presidential. Hm. An American President usually has a dog. At least one. The Bill Clinton Presidential luster was with a cat named Sox.

Presidential means riding in a big, black car with a gas engine that doesn't run if one puts diesel fuel in it. It also means a person rarely drives themselves. Then there is the presidential jet. Hm. Presidential???? 

It means having a second White House. The original is never good enough, except, for President Obama. "W" had a ranch, his father had "The Fidelity 3" motor boat in Maine. He and Romney had big boats with big engines in common. The Kennedys had Hyannis Port. That was family time. Jackie liked horses in New Jersey and Caroline had Macaroni the pony.

What else is presidential? Hm????

The First Lady has fancy clothes. Nancy Reagan borrowed hers. Oh, yeah, they have their Christmas tree delivered by horse drawn wagon.

Presidential????????? I suppose that could be talking about policies that matter like realizing Ryan is afraid of being completely embarrassed by his economic/tax plan. That might be presidential. Actually knowing what the economy needs, instead of hyperbolic bullshit.

Then there is the issue of foreign policy. Golf courses are economic and add GDP to any country that has one. Golf courses are good will gestures. I don't know if Russia has any.

It's not the Masters, but, Russia has golf. It is funny, I don't recall any American president being presidential on Russian golf courses.

More tycoons (click here) are launching beautiful golf courses in Russia. Now they need some players.

The prestigious Caesarea Golf Club, (click here) established in the 1960s by the Baron de Rothschild Family, is the only international golf course in Israel.

I don't think Americans know there are golf courses all over the world. Really. Golf is a big thing. How come Americans don't know more about this?

I suppose being brash is unbecoming a USA President. There were presidents in the history of the USA that were from among the people. Yes, there were brash Presidents, too. Those weren't all that long ago.

To be completely honest, American Presidents of the past were real people and not DISTANT from the people. There was a change in the POSTURE of American Presidents beginning with Woodrow Wilson.

Woodrow Wilson is WWI. It was a time when the Industrial Revolution was seeing it's first philanthropists. Not just inventors, but, those people that were amassing enormous wealth. The President became a focus of SOCIETY as well as governing. President Wilson was very much 'The Gentleman." He would not follow the activities of one of his predecessors charging up this hill or that hill.

It was Woodrow Wilson that changed the 'character' of the USA President and it was based in social status and wealth. It was the beginning of "The Wall Street President."

If that is what the critics of Donald Trump are stating as unpresidential, "viva la differance."

The Tea Party had it's beginnings in 2008. Donald Trump is very much a representative sample of them.

People are going to get sick from Flint River water. The city of Flint needs to connect to Detroit.

Boooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Why is Flint River water more corrosive compared to Detroit water? Flint River water has about 8 times more chloride (Cl–) in it than Detroit water. Chloride is generally considered to be very corrosive to iron. For instance, chloride present in road salts (sodium chloride = NaCl = Na+ Cl-) applied in the winter causes iron (Fe^3+) in cars and bridges to rust. Detroit also adds a corrosion inhibitor chemical (orthophosphate) (click here) to their water that helps to reduce corrosion of metals such as iron and lead. So, current Flint water is not only more corrosive, but there is also no corrosion inhibitor present....

The problem is not ONLY the lead!

...To illustrate how iron corrosion is problematic for maintaining a chlorine residual, we collected a sample of Flint water. We put some of that sample into a clean glass container, (the glass does not interact with the water's contents, so whatever reaction is occurring is ONLY between the water and the piece of iron) and some more of it into an identical container with a piece of iron to simulate the effect of water on iron pipes in Flint. We then measured the decay of chlorine over time (Figure 1). The initial level of chlorine was 1.15 milligrams per liter (mg/L), and it stayed pretty high when it was in a glass container. It only dropped to 0.95 mg/L over 12 hours (blue line). Thus, if Flint had a glass (or plastic or concrete) pipe system, chlorine would stay high as it was transported to homes. But when we did the same test with iron present, the chlorine dropped faster due to the corrosion, and was all gone after only 12 hours (red line). After 6 days of doing the test, the chlorine dropped even faster, and was below the minimum required chlorine residual of 0.2 mg/L in just about 1 hour in our test system (green line). The key point is that Flint River water is corroding iron pipes, and that will cause the chlorine to disappear very quickly....

The lead contamination is too high to treat effectively. The Flint River water is so densely contaminated it removes the chlorine 100% and the water is vulnerable to other contamination that chlorine would normally defeat. 

...Conclusion: The high rates of iron corrosion from using Flint River water as a drinking water source are damaging the Flint distribution system. The corrosion is also causing chlorine to disappear quickly, which may make it more likely for harmful bacteria to grow in the water. Furthermore, it is possible that with the existing unlined iron pipe system in Flint, and the relatively low water demand (due to declining population, loss of GM – which used a lot of water – as a water customer, and high rates), that it will very difficult to meet Federal standards for minimum chlorine levels no matter what is done to treat the water.

Primary Author: Dr. Marc A. Edwards

The Flint River is so contaminated it is IMPOSSIBLE to make safe for human consumption. In Michigan, the Department of Environmental Quality (click here)

FREQUENTLY uses FLUSHING of rivers and tributaries to remove contaminates. The contaminates are not necessarily removed from the water, but, the flushing DILUTES the contamination to CREATE a water supply that falls into legal levels of contaminants.

The largest user of the Detroit water was GM. The large volume of water used by GM created a form of flushing that created legal or better water quality. The Flint River will be absent of that form of large flushing on a regular basis and will never be absolutely clear enough with legal levels of chlorine that PROVES the potential contaminates are all DEFEATED in sustaining levels that will make people sick.

One of the reasons people don't trust government is because the government does what is convenient to THEIR BUDGET. The Flint River will NEVER be safe to drink or bath in even after the new pipes are put in place. The pipes still have to be changed out, but, the source of water has to go back to Detroit.

This is a prime example of the failure of government while still cooperating with Snyder's Financial Manager economic plan for Flint. The Emergency Manager under Snyder is still ineffective. The Flint River is PERMANENTLY contaminated. PERMANENTLY CONTAMINATED. The sediment in the Flint River contains the contamination as well. The contents of the Flint River REACTIONS with the pipes will never end because the river is permanently contaminated. It will never be clean enough. It is impossible to achieve drinkable quality water from a cesspool. 

The PREMISE of the idea the Flint River can be made clean is "W"rong!

Cooper pipes are the safest.

...Ductile iron, vinyl and reinforced concrete represent the bulk of pipelines currently being used in the U.S. and Canada to deliver safe drinking water. However, cast iron and ductile iron distribution pipes are the most susceptible to corrosion and breakage. In fact, each year, thousands of water lines are removed for replacement -- most suffering from severe deterioration caused by corrosion....

...These problems are ever-present, costly and health-threatening. According to a recent survey conducted by the Canadian National Research Council, cast iron pipes are rupturing at a rate of 35.9 breaks for every 100 kilometers of pipe in service. And newer ductile iron pipes are averaging about 9.5 breaks per 100 kilometers. These numbers are significant because they translate into over 200,000 breaks every year in the U.S. and Canada....

...The threat of excessive microbial growth along the interior walls of drinking water distribution pipes is another health concern of water distribution officials. Biofouling -- the development of an organic bacterial community, also commonly known as biofilm -- is composed of microorganisms and their secretions. It is present in almost every water distribution system, and when uncontrolled may present a threat to public health....

The biofouling has to be defeated with legal levels of chlorine that remains in the water for this purpose alone. There is no type of pipe that is exempt from biofouling. It happens, but, it is defeated when legal levels of chlorine are present.

Concrete Pipes are certified and safe to use.

...Most state agencies (click here) require mortar and concrete products used in drinking water systems to be certified. Producers of these products may in turn require their materials, such as cement, to be certified. It is often advantageous for cement producers to have their cement certified since certified cement is effectively “pre-qualified”, meaning product manufacturers can switch among brands and types of certified cements and still maintain end product certification.

Some states also regulate the cement itself, depending on its particular use in the drinking water system. Certified cement producers have the benefit of the “NSF” (NSF International) or “UL” (Underwriters Laboratories) mark on the product, indicating the cement has passed rigorous testing and is safe for use in drinking water systems. The product will be also be listed in the NSF or UL directory of approved products, which can be viewed at their websites: www.nsf.org and www.ul.com. The cement certification process is summarized below. For further information on Standard 61 background and certification process, see References 1, 2, 3, and 4....

Trump is not new. Where are the Republicans getting this from?

Donald Trump has been asked to run for President of the USA since McCain lost his bid. At least since then.

The ego of the wealthy require those dependent on them to kiss their feet. If they don't get over the fact they may be wealthy but not privileged because of the dollars they use to wipe themselves with, they can say good-bye to American politics. 

When is the next Las Vegas kiss the ring taking place?

I could not believe John Kasich was nearly in tears today. He really believed his own rhetoric. That's scary. At least Donald Trump knows when his words are rhetoric.

Michael Steele is afraid to speak reality to the party bosses. He should reflect on that and then decide if he knows what reality actually is.

The Republicans wonder how they can run a woman, Hispanics and an African American in their primary and they don't have a minority nomination. The woman was a failed corporate executive without leadership skills even for her own nomination. She lied about the content of the films and testimony she leaned on to try to bring a firestorm to her candidacy. The Hispanic and African American leaned too much on religion for their campaigns. Evangelicals are not a majority in the USA and simply because a candidate speaks religion doesn't mean they are valid as an American President. JFK was the first Catholic President and he never spoke religion in the way that removed civil rights from Americans.

I find it really funny that Governor McCrory is screaming privacy regarding the transgender, but, when privacy is raised in regard to abortion rights it is not allowed! 

Republicans don't live in the real world. They are corrupt to the core. Take that as FACT and then decide why they aren't making it to the convention for the nomination. You're really lousy people. Get over it. How long does any Republican think they can cut taxes and watch jobs grow while cutting discretionary spending and call it a reality for the best outcome for the country? 

Kansas is a disaster. Republicans don't live in the real world. The planet is on fire and the Republicans are still denying the climate crisis. You just aren't good people. You have no morals. Your morals are green and it isn't grass.

Tell me something. When you go to church do you keep your fingers crossed behind your back? 

Some things never change.

May 4, 2016
By Eric Lichtblau and Richard Fausse

Washington — The Justice Department (click here) warned the state of North Carolina on Wednesday that its new law limiting bathroom access violated the civil rights of transgender people, a finding that could mean millions of dollars in lost federal funds.
In a letter to Gov. Pat McCrory, Vanita Gupta, the top civil rights lawyer for the Justice Department, said that “both you and the State of North Carolina” were in violation of civil rights law, and gave him until Monday to decide “whether you will remedy these violations.”
A Justice Department official said that federal officials hoped that the state would agree to comply voluntarily with federal civil rights law by abandoning the measure. But the department has a number of tools it can use to try to force compliance, including denying federal funds or asking a court to do so, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The ultimatum escalated a contentious national debate over North Carolina’s new legal stance on transgender and gay people, and set up what could be a lengthy showdown between the state and the Obama administration....

President Obama has arrived in Flint, Michigan.

There he shaking hands with the USA's worst human rights abuser.

Live Updates: (click here)

Dozens of protesters outside of HS, chanting clean water for #Flint

May 4, 2016

By Matt Burns

Google’s charitable arm (click here) is today announcing several grants and donations aimed at helping the residents of Flint, Michigan respond to their ongoing water crisis. With a total amount of $250,000, the funds will be used to pay several local researchers and address health concerns connected with drinking the poisoned water.

The cash won’t solve the crisis. The city and state estimate it would take tens of millions of dollars and many man hours to do that. Yet this money is wisely earmarked in strategic ways that will make it go far.

Google.org reached out to TechCrunch and explained that $150,000 will be used for teams of researchers at Flint and Ann Arbor University of Michigan campuses with the goal of developing a comprehensive data platform. This system will then be available to government and local community leaders and able to assist in making decisions about the water crisis....

President Obama drinking a glass of filtered water.

By Ryan Garza

In the audience waiting for President Obama:

Sincere and his mom Ariana make it in to see President Obama 

Governor Snyder is being booed. People don't want to hear from him. He is booed and heckled during comments.

The entire gymnasium is booing at Snyder. They are on their feet and no one can hear what he is saying. They won't let him be heard. It was a really bad idea for him to come to Flint when President Obama is there.

Snyder should know he doesn't belong there. Snyder will not accept his responsibility in this until he is prosecuted.

There is ample reasons why the people of Flint, Michigan feel the way they do.

May 4, 2016
A few suggestions (click here) from the investigative reporter who broke the story about the city's toxic water.

Live coverage on MSNBC. President Obama is suppose to speak soon.
There are some notes on the message boards indicating when residents can afford to purchase baby wipes, they are used for personal hygiene rather than showers or baths.
President Obama says, "Flint's recovery is everyone's responsibility."
"What I believe contributed to this is a larger mindset....Environmental rules designed to keep air and water clear are optional...or burdens taxpayers...I am alright so I am not going to invest in what we need as a community...so we under invest underground and bridges and the schools that move usu forward.
This is part of the attitude and the mindset and the community that are poor...are not heard in the halls of power. This myth that states government is always wrong, is an extensive of that attitude...the government is us...it is corrosive...over time it diminishes the life of a community and makes it harder for our young people to achieve...A pastor stated he feels like he doesn't count. You can't have a democracy if the people feel they don't count."
"What should do individually what we can do for ourselves...but, we should do collectively what we can't do for ourselves...there are things we do together than benefits everyone..."

President Obama has been coughing occasionally and asked for a glass of water. 4:33 PM He is still coughing and there is still no water to him. It finally arrived.

Mayor Weaver has a plan to fix the pipes in Flint, Michigan and the cost is far higher than averting the disaster in the first place. The pipes will be replaced by the state government. Intense conference held in "The Beast" earlier in the day with Secret Service surrounding the car.

Flint's state delegation has to lead the state congress in a bipartisan legislation to insure the funding for the new pipes.

The federal, state and local leaders have to work together and stay on the job until it is done. That means it is required the state remain engaged until this is finished. The health care passed today in the legislation is a good beginning. The legislature passed a Medicaid Expansion for the children of Flint that were exposed to the lead. "All parties have to work together...to put Flint on a strong foundation..."

Cough.

"Culture of Neglect" mindset has to be fixed. "But, I do love Detroit and the schools have to be fixed. That is part of the same mindset....we are going to accelerate everything to get the new pipes needed here in Flint....It is  going to take awhile to get those pipes replaced. But, it is not going to happen overnight...."

C-Span

"What I know...first, while you are waiting to get your pipes replaced you need to have a filter installed...if you do use that filter than water is safe to consume for children over six and women not pregnant....to solve the problem, I am telling you what I know...I understand the fear the people have...those filters are free and people will help if you need help with installation and the water will be safe. Point two, the children in Flint exposed to the water need to be checked, because lead is a serious issue and if not diagnosed it will lead to serious problems. If a parent is working with a doctor you child will be fine....If you are my age or a little older there is some lead in your system when you were growing up....not to make light of the situation...the point is as long as kids are getting good healthcare and they are getting a good education and they are getting some home training and they are in a community that cares these children will be fine....I don't want that stigma established in the minds of kids."

"The reason I think this is important...moms and dads are feeling guilty...it is right to be angry, but, you can't be passive...and sink into despair....Don't wait for someone to reach out to ask if your child has seen their doctor lately...you have to use that health system...."

President Obama does want outreach regardless the vigilance of the parents. It is just a second measure to be sure everything is going well. I agree, especially considering how this community in Flint was oppressed for nearly two years before the country heard the news and became outraged. I worry about the people in Flint. They could be too passive in a low depressive state for too long. I worry they aren't strong enough still today to carry on if their news continues to be bad news. They need a gentle spirit of well being instilled in their lives. They have had horrible things happen by todays' standards and they know it. They and their children have to compete in a world that did not have bad news. There are still adults breaking out in rashes. They very well might have developed sensitivity to some minor amounts of toxins. No person with a rash should be ignored and explained away even if they have a filter. Adults can develop sensitivities and should be taken seriously.

President Obama states, "The culture of neglect leaves the poor people behind, the working people behind....We have to break that mindset....We have to break that attitude....and everybody has to look out for each other....the kids in Flint are their kids and our kids...."

"...Our success is dependent on each other...."

end

From the Iraq Oil Report:

April 29, 2016
Iraqi oil engineers are moonlighting (click here) as weapons developers, inventing remote-controlled rocket launchers and other devices for al-Hashid al-Shabi (Popular Mobilization) militia forces fighting against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) organization.The weapons program is a small-scale operation funded by private donations to an independent employees' committee of the state-run South Oil Company (SOC). While the engineers are not mass-producing the weapons, their contributions highlight ...

Iraq has always had issues with exporting their oil to the market. That is why Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. 

April 28, 2016
Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) (click here) is conducting detailed technical planning with Iran that could lead to the construction of the autonomous region's second oil export pipeline."It's serious. Very serious. We've had several meetings in the past, and will continue to have meetings," said Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Taha Zangana, who has led the KRG's technical delegation. "The technical part of pre-engineering is almost – almost – in place."If the project moves forwar...

April 20, 2016
The former director general of the state-run (click here) North Oil Company (NOC) and nearly two dozen other people have been arrested and, pending an ongoing investigation, could be charged with using a fake company to bilk the government out of millions of dollars."The North Oil Company officials in Kirkuk, whom were detained for administrative corruption and wasting the public's money, are still in prison," Brig. Gen. Sarhad Qadir, the police chief of the sub-districts of Kirkuk province, said late Tu...

May 3, 2016
Iraq Oil Report is now offering a new subscription service: the Iraq Oil and Financial Dataset. Click here for a free sample of the spreadsheets and data-driven analysis that underpin our industry-leading coverage of Iraq’s oil sector.

Iraq's federal government exported a record amount of oil in April, netting the most oil revenue Iraq has generated in five months.The Oil Ministry said it had exported an average of 3.364 million barrels per day (bpd) in April – a 3 percent increase over the previous month...

May 1, 2016
Months of anti-corruption protests (click here) climaxed on Saturday as Iraqis forced their way into the Green Zone – the safe haven for Iraqi and foreign elites in the capital – and temporarily took over Parliament, demanding that Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi follow through on his attempt to put in place a technocratic government.Most members of Parliament fled the area unharmed, and party leaders are holding emergency meetings overnight. Photographs posted on social media showed Abadi later touri...

The cabinet was dismissed. Foreign countries are welcome to invest in it's oil industry. Encouraged even.

April 26, 2016

Update includes: (click here)

• Details of dramatic Parliament session
• MPs throwing objects at the Speaker and Prime Minister
• Sadr backs initial new ministers
• Warns that his protestors are ready at the gate of the Green Zone

The Iraqi Parliament on Tuesday approved five new ministers in a contentious and incomplete effort by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to reshuffle his Cabinet and deliver on promises to reform the government.Prior to the vote, a slew of MPs launched a cacophonous protest and even threw empty water bottles and toilet paper toward Abadi and Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, according to several legislators who witnessed the melee."When the prime minister tried to deliver a speech, the...

If foreign governments get involved, there is going to be more corruption, not less.

Mosul is a place the Kurds would like to regain. Mosul is where the Navy Seal died.

April 19, 2016

Air strikes deep inside Mosul (click here) are taking a punishing toll on the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) group, killing dozens of militants per week, draining their reserves of cash and spreading rampant paranoia among their ranks.But weakening IS comes at an increasing cost to the beleaguered civilians trapped in the city, who are being subjected to a campaign of summary executions, harassment and interrogations. Residents also fear they will be killed by war planes, as IS militants embed thems...

Daesh has been seeking a media blackout in Mosul because the people may turn on them.

May 4, 2016 For Iraqis living in the Islamic State stronghold of Mosul, (click here) news is dwindling about the U.S.-backed army massing to the south for an assault on the city that could begin this year.

Soon after Iraqi forces established a foothold in the Makhmour area in February, about 60 km (40 miles) from the northern city, the jihadists began restricting access to television for its 1 million-strong population, according to residents.
With limited and erratic access to internet and mobile networks, civilians in Mosul have depended on satellite TV for their primary source of news from the outside world since Islamic State captured the city two years ago....

Iraq is having a difficulty collecting monies for the oil, too.

I think it is very obvious, the USA has no clue what is occurring with Iraq other than involvement in advising the Iraqi military.

3 March 2016
By Damian Carrington

Climate change could kill more than 500,000 people a year (click here) globally by 2050 by making their diets less healthy, according to new research published in the Lancet.

The research is the first to assess how the impacts of global warming could affect the quality of the diets available to people and found fewer fruit and vegetables would be available as a result of climatic changes. These are vital in curbing heart disease, strokes and diet-related cancers, leading the study to conclude that the health risks of climate change are far greater than thought.

Climate change is already judged by doctors as the greatest threat to health in the 21st century, due to floods, droughts and increased infectious diseases, with the potential to roll back 50 years of progress.

Peter Scarborough, at the University of Oxford and part of the new research, said these direct impacts would affect tens of thousands of people at particular times: “But everyone in the world eats, so small changes in diet can quickly add up” to hundreds of thousands of deaths.

“The health burden related to climate change is much bigger than we thought,” Scarborough said. But cutting carbon emissions and improving education and the availability of fruit and vegetables would reduce the number of deaths, he said....

It's been hot and dry in Punjab, India.

May 3, 2016

Dust storms (click here) hit many places in Punjab and Haryana on Tuesday, bringing down the mercury by a few notches and providing relief to the people reeling under sweltering heat conditions.

Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, was also hit by a dust storm in the morning.The maximum temperature, which was close to 43 degrees Celsius here yesterday, also dropped by a few notches.

People in Hisar in Haryana, where the maximum had on Monday crossed the 45 degrees Celsius mark, also got some relief from the severe heat wave as dusty conditions brought down the mercury on Tuesday morning.

Ambala, Kurukshetra, Jind, Rohtak, Panchkula among other places in Haryana also witnessed partly cloudy skies on Tuesday....

May 1, 2016

Islamabad: Scattered rains and dust storms (click here) are expected from Monday to Thursday in Punjab Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Khaber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Kashmir.

The day temperatures are expected to fall 23 C below normal after the rainfall.

A fresh westerly wave is likely to approach Pakistan on Sunday evening Monday that will produce rains with intermissions and gusty winds in plain areas of the country during the coming week, an official of Met office told APP.

Under the influence of this westerly wave scattered rain dust storm is expected in Islamabad, FATA, KP, Punjab, GB and Kashmir during Monday evening to Thursday....

May 2, 2016

City sizzles at 44 degree Celsius (111.2 Fahrenheit), dust storm adds to commuters' woes

Mercury maintained an upward trend (click here) in the city today along with a heavy dust storm forcing residents to remain indoor.

High humidity levels during the morning hours also caused a lot of inconvenience to residents of the region.

As per the Agri-Met Department of the PAU Regional Centre in Bathinda, the maximum temperature recorded was 44.2°C and the minimum temperature was recorded at 20.6°C. This is the highest maximum temperature which has been recorded in the city this season so far.

The day started on a hot and humid note but in the evening the weather took a sudden change and at around 4.30 pm clouds came out and dust storm lashed the city.

People were caught by surprise as the wind velocity suddenly increased in the afternoon. Those riding two-wheelers were forced to slow down their vehicles while some decided to take a halt and wait for the storm to subside. The dust storm also disrupted power supply   in various parts of the city....

May 3, 2016
The diversion of wheat from Punjab to Haryana (click here) to get prompt payment and fall in yield of the main rabi crop could be responsible for the state not meeting its target of wheat procurement this year. As against the original target of procuring 129 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat from the state, the procurement is expected to be around 105 LMT.

Till last night, 102.07 LMT of wheat had been procured by state agencies and the FCI in the state. Though this figure is more than the wheat procured on the corresponding day last year (82 LMT), sources said that last year the season peaked late because of rains in March.

The fall in procurement figures is mainly because a large quantity of wheat from Punjab has been sold in neighbouring Haryana this year. It is estimated that over 6 LMT of wheat from the state has been sold in Haryana as payments to farmers in the state were not made till April 22.

In Haryana, the procurement till date is 63.31 LMT as against 57.55 LMT last year despite almost 90,000 hectare fall in the area under wheat. This proves that wheat from Punjab villages along the 250 km inter-state border has been sold in Haryana.

“As a result, there has been a fall in the total wheat procured in Punjab. Punjab was targeting procurement of 129 LMT. But the high temperature in December and rains in February led to the Ministry of Agriculture revising the wheat production and procurement targets. Punjab then revised its procurement target to 111 LMT,” said a senior government official....