Scorched.
By on Jul 14th, 2006 at 6:45 pm
Scorched.
“The average temperatures of the first half of 2006 were the highest ever recorded for the continental United States, scientists announced today.” Almost 45 percent of the contiguous U.S. experienced “moderate to extreme droughts” while “some areas, such as the Northeast of the country experienced record rainfalls and severe floods.”
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Do you ever get the feeling that the Powers That Be are using the Bible’s Book of Revelations like an intstruction manual?
July 14th, 2006 at 6:51 pmDon’t worry, citizens. It’s just another natural cycle like we had last year. Return to your terrorism shelters and enjoy the fine programming on Fox News.
July 14th, 2006 at 7:01 pmI think God is trying to say something
July 14th, 2006 at 7:08 pm(about gay marriage)
Don’t forget gianormous hurricanes, like Katrina.
July 14th, 2006 at 7:13 pmI wrote a piece related to this but unfortunately it’s gotten lost in the noise while the rest of the world is on fire. But here it is if anyone would like to read it.
The West is Burning…
July 14th, 2006 at 7:15 pmOh and the article above links to a new study released last week by NASA’s Earth Observatory about a study conducted by the Scripps Institute.
July 14th, 2006 at 7:17 pmIt can’t be global warming, there’s no such thing, that’s what the Christian Science Monitor’s resident “comedian” says so it must be so!
July 14th, 2006 at 7:28 pmKeep on wasting that energy.
July 14th, 2006 at 7:29 pmI think we can solve global warming if we cut taxes.
July 14th, 2006 at 7:34 pmYeah! That’s the ticket. Cut taxes — that’ll do it.
103 RIGHT NOW as I type in SE NM. Hot–like hell
July 14th, 2006 at 7:44 pmMichael Cricton says it’s not hot!
July 14th, 2006 at 7:46 pm8 – yes! oh, and keep gays from getting married. oh, and prevent abortions.
let’s not forget all that adult programming on cable TV – THAT HAS to be adding to global warming!!!
oh! oh! oh! I got it! We have to allow more drilling for oil in Alaska!
July 14th, 2006 at 7:57 pm106 here today and ‘warming’ up this weekend. Ugh.
July 14th, 2006 at 8:05 pmIf you had a choice would you rather try and escape a natural disaster or an evil dictator while your country is invaded by the russians and chinese.Just kidding….. in all likelyhood you’ll get a shot at both.
July 14th, 2006 at 8:20 pmoh and welcome to WW111
July 14th, 2006 at 8:21 pm#12 Badmoodman
Would you like to trade places? The thermometer on my patio in the shade registered 118 at 3:30. I haven’t looked at the damn thing yet as the one in the house said 78.
Actually this is the first year since 2000 when we moved to Arizona that the temperature has reached 120 before August. We have had more monsoon weather this year (two weeks intl the season) to date than all of the previous years for the entire season.
I believe Al!
July 14th, 2006 at 8:22 pmClyde: “Would you like to trade places? The thermometer on my patio in the shade registered 118 at 3:30.” – - Well sure, if you’re counting in the same numerical base as Pat Robertson.
July 14th, 2006 at 8:33 pmMust be all those sinning republicans, prostitutes and limos, abramoff and cunninghams, delays and mariannas, lays and heart attacks, limbaugh and drugs, anne and plagiarism,wars and lies that is raising the temperatures.
July 14th, 2006 at 8:52 pmI have a lovely tan from all this extra sunlight and can swim in the olypic size pool all year as to before I could not.
Would you liberals please stop complaining about the weather?
The Earth is warming and that pure clean water from the melting ice will help to dilute what man has dumped into the sea?
Don’t you understand progress?
July 14th, 2006 at 8:59 pmGeorgia is having a heat wave and drought too! It has been the dryest July around Atlanta in years > if the whole summer is like July it will be a problem here?!
July 14th, 2006 at 9:09 pm#11 – Dammit, you stole everyone of my ideas. Why do you have to be so clever?
What Briseadh na Faire said!
July 14th, 2006 at 9:21 pmQuick, Seixon! Scientists are scaring us with Global Warming ideas!
July 14th, 2006 at 9:26 pmI heard Seixon headed north and is vacationing in lappland
July 14th, 2006 at 9:32 pm#22 Agent
If Seixon is vacationing in any lap land it has to be Turd Blossom’s lap. Those two would make a pair that would beat (pun intended) any full house.
July 14th, 2006 at 9:58 pmOMG, it’s been so nice without the Norweigian Hall Monitor dominating every single thread, these last few days.
July 14th, 2006 at 10:06 pm#23
July 14th, 2006 at 10:06 pmGluteal Warming?
heh heh
with all the ice breaking up he’s probably driving a Fjord
July 14th, 2006 at 10:14 pmIt is still well over 90 degrees right now. SE NM. Dang. All I got is a swamp cooler. I feel like I am in a swamp. Dang.
Global Warming. What’s that? hahaha. I guess they don’t feel it. Tomorrow we get more HEAT. Fire season started early this year too. Aren’t we lucky? The forests are dry. No snow this winter. No snow pack, no water for the lakes and we get more fires.
NM started with fires early this season–like Cali.
July 14th, 2006 at 10:18 pmThink of the future guilt free world where anyone can harvest boiled lobsters at their doorstep in Denver. I would not suggest skinny-dipping after the meal.
July 14th, 2006 at 10:23 pmFor all of her lame attempt at political humor, the so called comedienne (sp) has made an interesting connection that should not be overlooked……
July 14th, 2006 at 10:25 pmThe rise in global emmisions of CO2 resulting from the guzzling combustion of fossil fuels taken from other nations unjustly compensated for their sovereign resources creates disgruntled and hazardous individuals who have no option left but to blow up themselves and as many others along with them as possible.
OB-L has firmly ensconced himself as the poster boy for the Militarist/Corporatist/Securitist Complex’s excuse to continue to exploit the worlds people and decimate its resorces. Wonder how much is being spent of US taxpayer dollars to make sure he is warm and comfy in the
mountains on the Afghani/Pakistani border……..hmmmmm?
Where are Seixon, our resident “expert on global warming,” and his faithful assistant “expert on everything (and nothing)” Mighty A?
July 14th, 2006 at 11:08 pmHow can you guys sit there and not talk about Lebanon? Are you freaking nuts? It seems so. DeNial is not just a river in Egypt.
July 14th, 2006 at 11:09 pmhttp://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0714-09.htm
Refugees in their own words who are fleeing Beirut. It’s a mess out there. I agree
July 14th, 2006 at 11:11 pmI hope I did the link thing right.
At least there have not been any Atlantic hurricanes yet. Last year the first one appeared in the middle of June.
July 14th, 2006 at 11:14 pmIf you had finally developed a rudimentary weather altering device (which we have been working on for years) and had the opportunity and few scruples, wouldn’t you want to create a market in which to introduce it?
Just saying…
July 14th, 2006 at 11:42 pmSo many problems this year with conflicts in the Middle East, and now the weather goes haywire as well > please God give us all a break here on disasters!
July 15th, 2006 at 12:04 amI bet in August some hurricane forms and boils into the biggest category 5 cane in history with 200+ mph winds > if it heads to New Orleans, then Mayor Nagin would probably commit suicide > oh well trying to kid a little on here, but heck it’s damn hot this summer!
July 15th, 2006 at 12:08 amNotice:: the rethug brain dead have nothing to say. Their whole made up world has just blown up. seixion is now and always has and will be a cheap coward. It hides behind straw men when it will never be one–will you? Just like darth chaney you always something else to do. you MA iri and the likes of you nasty non noble vermin hide in your made up dream world. Yes seixon I mean you. Your the worst of what the human race can produce. Your a little chicken shit, you have not one noble instint in your worthless body. Hey, come back on that. Your Dear leader has fu*hed up everything and your still licking his Bal$. How the $hit do you sleep at night??
July 15th, 2006 at 12:26 amFlag burning causes global warming. It’s a fact. Look it up.
July 15th, 2006 at 12:36 amHey, seixon. You might think I am kidding I am not. You digital brown shirt cowards are the lowest form of life.. You a$$ wipes would not even stand up and protect your mother-would you? How does it feel to be such a low life coward?? I am sincere. How do you live with yourself?? I am sure I will not get an answer. Cowards are like that.
July 15th, 2006 at 12:38 amPost 39 Joe > I have not seen Seixon post on this thread yet!
July 15th, 2006 at 12:46 amJust look at the news. He is an A$$ wipe. Cowards like him make me sick. He hides behind posts that seem like an honest debate. However, he is just a digital brown shirt. A complete coward with not one bit of honor or nobility in him.
July 15th, 2006 at 1:43 am#41, you sound very scientific with the name calling.
July 15th, 2006 at 1:48 amAnd what do you have to offer to the debate?
seixon,chicken shit chicken hawks like you I find on the bottom of my shoe. You know cowards like you should live in another country. Hell I would hate to be in a situation with you needing someone with honor or nobility. Your a coack roache. Have a nice day low life.
July 15th, 2006 at 1:52 am#41, you sound very scientific with the name calling.
And what do you have to offer to the debate?
Comment by Hippie with a pistol — July 15, 2006 @ 1:48 am
July 15th, 2006 at 2:11 amHEY, hIPPIE-BLEW YOUR O-LIELLY BRAIN OUT?? want to discuss astrophysicts,nano tech,blue tooth, or why why your a dumb shit?
I thought not. Mental midgets one and all. Just how does it feel to be a moron supporting a moron? I am sorry “Dear leader”.
July 15th, 2006 at 2:17 amJoe, too many beers tonight? Not getting laid? Having a problem refuting the facts? Resorting to personal attacks is the answer. Take it easy, joe. Go vomit in the toliet then do some slow breathing into a paper bag.
Anybody else want to question the NOAA source for my facts?
July 15th, 2006 at 2:29 amThe righties will never acknowledge global warming exists because science “worships the creation instead of the creator”
July 15th, 2006 at 4:40 am#15, Clyde wrote:
“Would you like to trade places? The thermometer on my patio in the shade registered 118 at 3:30. I haven’t looked at the damn thing yet as the one in the house said 78.”
Of course, that 118 is adjusted for inflation, no? NJ is cranking the heat as well, we’re going to have temps that make it feel 110, or warmer.
July 15th, 2006 at 7:53 amSorry, couldnt wait for a new thread……Putin bitch-slapped Bush today at G8 news conference and all the Russian reporters laughed at him. Tis going to be a grand morn indeed!
July 15th, 2006 at 8:01 amCool, Vance, I love a good bitch-slapping. It’s a good start to the weekend!
See ya’ll Monday! I’m off on a mini-road trip to Oregon.
Play nicely, you weirdos!
July 15th, 2006 at 9:07 amIf you read Michael Chrichton’s “State of Fear”, you will see that he debunks much of the greenhouse gas myths, and shows that average temeratures in urban areas are due to “urban heat mass” – building materials which tend to absorb and radiate heat (blacktop, asphault, etc.), causing maximum temperature readings in urban areas to creep higher with continued urban development. The strong correleation between urban development and maximum daily temperature is backed up in that book with data, analysis and graphs, so one should examine data from non-urban areas to see if there is any upward trends.
July 15th, 2006 at 11:44 amThere you go, you can go with scientists who have made the enviroment their life’s work, or a author who wrote a fictional account on the subject.
Who you gonna trust?
July 15th, 2006 at 12:01 pmJMH,
July 15th, 2006 at 12:09 pmAnd if you’re looking for a religion to support, I’d like to suggest a book by L. Ron Hubbard…
If you read Michael Chrichton’s “State of Fearâ€, you will see that he debunks much of the greenhouse gas myths
Newsflash: Chrichton’s main objective is to….wait for it…sell LOTS of books. He’s not interested in anything resembling the truth.
Almost all of Chrichton’s “claims/findings” have been debunked by real scientists. Who should you trust? An international panel of climate scientists, or a science-fiction author?
July 15th, 2006 at 12:19 pmEveryone knows that Crichton is the one fictional author with such a firm grip on science as to write plausible science-fiction like Jurassic Park.
Unlike “scientists”, who have “made the environment their life’s work”, Crichton presents data, analysis and graphs which show strong correlations between urban heat masses and increasing maximum daily temperature. “Scientists” have NOT presented strongly correlated data between green house gas emissions and GLOBAL mean temperature.
I know, proglodites prefer to gin up “infallable” sources to state what they want to hear, instead of producing substantive data, analysis and graphs, which is precisely why you choose to attack Michael Crichton himself, and not his data, analysis or graphs.
You would be surpised what you tell about yourselves, when trying to lambaste others.
July 15th, 2006 at 12:26 pmYeah Jason, we don’t need no stinking science, we need science fiction!
July 15th, 2006 at 12:28 pmThis would be funny if it wasn’t so heartbreakingly sad.
July 15th, 2006 at 12:29 pmJason,
July 15th, 2006 at 12:38 pmStoke up yer pipe:
http://www.oism.org/pproject/s33p36.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Institute_of_Science_and_Medicine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Petition
The petition wasn’t peer reviewed, and was deceptive to say the least.
July 15th, 2006 at 12:48 pmEveryone knows that Crichton is the one fictional author with such a firm grip on science as to write plausible science-fiction like Jurassic Park.
This is such a joke. Sigh. I read stuff like this as further evidence of our failing education system. Leave no child behind my ass.
July 15th, 2006 at 12:48 pmZooey–Thanx for the itenerary;we really care/not.
July 15th, 2006 at 1:01 pmWhile you’re out there,take the time to dangle Brad Faire’s balls;something we all know you want to do.
Look … c’mon people … do you know how stupid it is to attribute yearly USA weather patterns to a global theory. GLOBAL WARMING people … how the US weather is can’t explain crap. I suppose all of you know what the weather is like in Europe right now, how about the South Pacific, Australia … anyone ???
Global warming certainly exists … I’m sure the debate will rage on about mankinds effect or control over it … trying to pin a drought in one part of our country (whilst flash flooding occurs elsewhere) or a heat wave (in New Mexico which I guess is usually cold this time of year) on it is a fool’s errand … very unscientific. You’re free to believe that global warming is 100% manmade, but let’s not try and squeeze every weather event into that belief, shall we.
If next year the weather is more “normal” (and by normal I mean, what we’ve come to expect) does that mean Global Warming is BS … of course not. Year to year weather patterns change … this has been so for millenia (and far before our gas guzzling SUVs) … chill out.
For those who would flame me, remember, “dissent is the highest form of patriotism”.
- Cheers
July 15th, 2006 at 1:06 pmGiacomo
If it is a worldwide effect, it will have effects worldwide. Last I checked, my atlas of the world included America.
July 15th, 2006 at 1:16 pmGiacomo,
You’re absolutely correct. One cannot ascertain GW on the basis of temperatures in the US alone.
However, given the adverse effects of GW, we should anticipate temperature and weather anomalies in the US. What we’re observing is certainly consistent. The temperature may go down next year, no question. What’s important are the long term trends, and at the global scale.
July 15th, 2006 at 1:23 pmIf it is a worldwide effect, it will have effects worldwide. Last I checked, my atlas of the world included America.
Uhmmm … exactly my point … the argument here is not “look what’s happening world wide” (which still would be a scientifically poor argument but a much less stupid one) … the argument is “look what’s happening in the US (and only some of it, at that)”.
If I have a theory that the oceans are getting less salty (some say the North Pacific is actually, but it’s not relevant) should I run around supporting my conclusion by the “taste” of the ocean in North Carolina? No … you’d say I’m a moron and that individual non-scientific readings on a localized scale can’t reveal much about the theory at large. Doesn’t mean my theory is wrong … it may mean I’m a fool though.
That’s all I’m saying ….
July 15th, 2006 at 1:25 pmWhat we’re observing is certainly consistent. The temperature may go down next year, no question. What’s important are the long term trends, and at the global scale.
It MAY be consistent (we’re not really sure what will happen, scientific postulations at this point), otherwise I totally agree with you.
July 15th, 2006 at 1:28 pmGiacomo
Scientists don’t just take results from America. They take weather patterns across the whole world, generally using worldwide Satelite photography, local reporting, and even worldwide disaster reports.
If you were to say that the sea was getting less saltly, and took a reasonable sample from the beaches all across the world, including the poles, and presented them as evidence, and those samples were consistent with your hypothesis, then you would be believed.
And if you want to know what the weather is all across the world its easy enough to look it up, it isn’t like America is the only country that knows the secret of weather forecasting.
July 15th, 2006 at 1:40 pmSalty in the above.
July 15th, 2006 at 1:40 pmBruce
You’re switching arguments friend. Stick to this thread … my beef is not with Global Warming or Scientific Discovery. My beef is with those who jump on the “it’s global warming” bandwagon when Think Progress posts bland scientific “readings”.
Global Warming has almost universal scientific support, man made as the cause less so, effects if we continue on current path will accelerate less less so, and we ought to stop Global Warming because problems are inevitable even less less less so. The comments here were obtuse given the post’s claims and the scale covered … that’s all I was saying.
July 15th, 2006 at 2:05 pmGiacomo
A sample from one of the beaches would also class as evidence though, which is the point I am trying to make. Evidence doesn’t have to be conclusive all on its own to be evidence. We have seen a lot of evidence on what global warming can do, and there is a increasing scientific consensus that human actions are making it worse. While GW may be cyclical, it doesn’t mean the unprecedented levels of pollution being put out by humanity aren’t effecting that cycle in a less then desirable manner.
Besides, when you get right down to it, wouldn’t the world be a better place if all of the stuff that is causing GW wasn’t around anymore? I mean, no more smog, the Arabs wouldn’t have any economic power, the jobs created by manufacturing that alternate energy source would make up for the jobs lost to oil, really why shouldn’t we start trying to live cleaner?
July 15th, 2006 at 2:36 pmJason:
As someone who lives in Tucson, I certainly agree that “urban heat mass” exists, since the less developed areas here are noticeably cooler than the more developed areas.
I did a little reading on this phenomenon, and apparently at this time urban heat masses are not considered to widely contribute to global warming; increased CO2 is considered to be the largest single factor.
There are a couple of problems with your thesis that urban heat mass disputes global warming.
1. Scientists are not basing their beliefs on one single factor. CO2 has increased; no one can dispute this. Glaciers are melting and any increase in glaciers inland is actually supported by the model currently in use. Ice core samples in Antaractica. Tree ring sampling, particularly that of bristle cone trees, the longest-living trees, a few around 4000 years old. Other measurements and observations. And trends over many years, worldwide. (Giacomo, are you paying attention?)
2. Urban heat masses also would, if anything, CONTRIBUTE to global warming rather than the reverse. They may not be considered significant on the global scale at this time, but humans are still reproducing and are still moving into cities. You get enough urban heat masses and they WILL contribute to global warming.
It baffles me that I would even have to state this; it should be so obvious.
July 15th, 2006 at 3:14 pmA sample from one of the beaches would also class as evidence though, which is the point I am trying to make. Evidence doesn’t have to be conclusive all on its own to be evidence.
Taken with a host of other data, it could lead a certain direction. By itself … localized … one-sided focus (for example, ignoring or not getting readings on the next beach), one should infer nothing. One can’t, without the entire picture … the one signal may be part of a whole, but not a single person posting here knows enough to make the claim it IS part of the whole … the fact they think they do is why some people don’t believe in Global Warming. They see the proponents accept anything as “proof” … a study on 1/2 of 2006’s temperatures and droughts may add facts to the argument, but not much truth. We must be careful not to elevate the facts out of convenience or laziness.
1. Scientists are not basing their beliefs on one single factor. CO2 has increased; no one can dispute this. Glaciers are melting and any increase in glaciers inland is actually supported by the model currently in use. Ice core samples in Antaractica. Tree ring sampling, particularly that of bristle cone trees, the longest-living trees, a few around 4000 years old. Other measurements and observations. And trends over many years, worldwide. (Giacomo, are you paying attention?)
Yup … you’re combining the arguments, though. Global Warming has occurred … CO2 does effect the environment … BUT, many many scientists aren’t willing to draw the line so neatly between them as Al Gore does. THAT’S the problem … not Global Warming, but the actual man made effect upon it. There is very much NOT a scientific agreement on the man made effects … in fact, many say the pluraility is on the “natural” causes side.
July 15th, 2006 at 3:46 pm#71, Wolfdaughter,
Excellent response – thanks for addressing my (or Crichton’s) arguements directly, and not simply discrediting the messenger.
Crichton was trying to explain the reason for the higher daily air temperatures, which “scientists” are trying to use as indicators of global warming, and using very simple regression analyses, showing that the greatest factor for temperature increases in many urban areas is the increase in urbanization. A higher temperature in urban areas means ground moisture, which would normally evaporate and cool an area, is instead replaced with concrete, metal, glass, blacktop, etc., which retain the heat and raise the air temperature.
It IS undeniable that CO2 levels have increases significantly relative to pre-existing levels a couple centuries ago, but not very significantly as a component in the total makeup of the atmosphere, which is why the correlation between CO2 levels and air temperature is so weak.
Earth’s climate is constantly changing overall and in specific regions. The retraction of the ice caps from most of north America after the ice age is not due to man’s presence, obviously, so you must concede that this could be part of a continued trend of icesheet retraction that began 10’s of thousands of years ago.
All that aside, I don’t think it is good that fossil fuels are burned on enormous scales everyday, simply on a pollution basis – forget global warming. There are clean energy technologies, and the federal government should create the market place in which these technologies can be developed, produced and sold, so that the consumer and the provider benefit.
July 15th, 2006 at 4:44 pmEvery ice age that has occurred in traceable history has been connected to a cataclysmic event. This includes the meteor that slammed into the sea off of the Yucatan peninsula to volcanic eruptions that have been recorded by humanity. Recent findings show that the great extinction occurred after a very large meteor hit the Earth a few billion years ago. Each of these events resulted in enormous loss of life. Wouldn’t it be better to mend our ways rather than hope for a catastrophe?
July 15th, 2006 at 6:47 pmEveryone knows that Crichton is the one fictional author with such a firm grip on science as to write plausible science-fiction like Jurassic Park.
comment by Jason Hendler
Okay, Crichton has a medical degree from Harvard, so I grant that he has some familiarity with science and scientific terms. But do you think we can bring dinosaurs back, too?
July 15th, 2006 at 8:27 pmOh, and come to think of it, diagnose-by-video Bill Frist also has a Harvard medical degree. Maybe we shouldn’t value Harvard M.D.s so much any more.
Walt:
Now I know you’re an idiot.
July 16th, 2006 at 11:24 amThe meteor you’re referring to happened 165 [M]illion years ago.
Patio Set
Your blog makes very interesting reading. I’m sure others will think so too I look forward to reading their comments.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:45 amSatelite Tv
Tv On A Pc
April 8th, 2008 at 7:25 pm