I’ve decided to step away from WUWT this weekend. Both my wife and I are sick with a cold. I’m very tired, and I need to do something else for awhile besides moderate squabbles; like work on my paper which keeps getting time taken away from it by the attention this blog requires.
If you have something worth posting on the front page, flag a moderator. Those that want to do guest posts are welcome to do so also. Again, flag a moderator for attention. Those that have author permission already, go for it.
I’ll resume posting if I feel up to it Sunday night.
In the meantime, talk quietly and politely amongst yourselves. Don’t make me come back here.
– Anthony
o†=∞◊
( open thread = infinite source )
—~» sunlight on your skin is the #1 defense against illness
—~» food-state vitamins are amazing: http://174.132.164.222/~lovemega/
WuWT is rapidly approaching 40,000,000 hits and the hockey stick points way way up.
One big lie destroyed, many more to go…
—~» govprop Big Lies don’t work anymore
—~» destroying the Big Lies of mainstream medicine: http://www.naturalnews.com/
—~» WHO lies vs. Vac Truth: http://vactruth.com/
—~» our boys are fighting for what exactly? http://antiwar.com/
—~» the US Dollar is not a Safe Haven: http://www.safehaven.com/
—~» the truth about the economy: http://www.shadowstats.com/
—~» Austrian economics on your iPhone: http://itunesu.mises.org/
—~» latest news unspun: http://prisonplanet.tv/latest-news.html
—~» these are the good guys: http://www.campaignforliberty.com/index.php
—~» Downsize DC: http://www.downsizedc.org/
—~» elect more like this guy: http://www.house.gov/paul/
—~» my quotationsbook: http://www.quotationsbook.com/book/herbreck/
—~» { registration required \ open minds preferred }
• http://colorado4liberty.ning.com/profile/ecliptic
• http://oathkeepers.ning.com/profile/ecliptic
• http://coloradoschildren.ning.com/profile/ecliptic
—~» 1,021 days to go: http://www.diagnosis2012.co.uk/
———~« ecliptic »~———
CHARLES – Topic Suggestion:
CLIMATE BRAWL
Three States Sue EPA Over Global Warming Ruling
FOXNews.com
The EPA, which is threatening to regulate carbon emissions if Congress won’t, is facing legal heat from states that say new regulations will kill jobs at the worst possible time.
The bitterly contested fight in Washington over global warming and pollution is also taking hold at the state level.
The Environmental Protection Agency, which is threatening to regulate carbon emissions if Congress won’t, is facing legal heat from states that say new regulations will kill jobs at the worst possible time.
Texas, Alabama and Virginia, all led by Republican governors, have filed petitions since December, when the EPA ruled that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide endanger human health, clearing the path for the agency to issue mandatory regulations to reduce them.
As the EPA grapples with the lawsuits, Congress is trying to block the agency from acting without congressional approval. Sen. John Rockefeller, D-W.Va., introduced legislation Thursday calling for a two-year suspension of potential EPA regulations.
Rockefeller and other lawmakers from coal mining states oppose the EPA’s plan to target power plants and other industrial facilities.
The EPA already agreed, after Rockefeller complained last month, to delay phasing in its regulations until the end of the year. But that hasn’t satisfied global warming skeptics.
Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said last month the finding could “create a staggering burden” on the state.
“Put into effect, the finding would a place a crushing burden on jobs and the economy of Virginia,” he said. “And while some parts of Virginia would be hit harder than others, every Virginian would take an economic beating if this goes forward.”
The inflation of energy prices alone would ripple through the economy with devastating effect
He added: “While we’re open to seeing where honest, unbiased science leads us in the climate policy arena, we’re not prepared to stand by while EPA proceeds to implement jobs-destroying regulations based on unverifiable and unrepeatable so-called science.”
Texas Gov. Rick Perry said the finding would usher in a new era that would destroy his state’s ability to provide energy to the rest of the world. Stacked with oil refining and other industries, Texas is the top carbon dioxide emitter in the country and would be heavily affected if mandatory emissions reductions go into effect.
“They’re using sweeping mandates, Draconian punishments to force a square peg of their vision into the round hole of reality,” he said. “In the process, they’re preparing to undo decades of progress while painting hardworking entrepreneurs as selfish and destroying hundreds of thousands of jobs in the process.”
The EPA has responded to the lawsuits with a statement saying the “evidence of and threats posed by a changing climate are right before our eyes.”
Ah, here is the battle line. Where is the evidence of global warming?
“EPA is proceeding with common sense measures that are helping to protect Americans from this threat while moving America into a leadership position in the 21st century green economy,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, special interest and other defenders of the status quo are now turning to the courts in an attempt to stall progress. …
“EPA is confident the finding will withstand legal challenge, allowing the agency to protect the American people from the significant dangers posed by greenhouse gases and carbon pollution.”
When did the legal profession become climate science experts?
Fighting back on behalf of the EPA is a coalition of 16 states and New York City, arguing that without regulations, climate change will adversely affect them.
Those states are: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
Most of these states sued the EPA during the Bush administration over its decision not to regulate carbon dioxide pollution as a contributor to global warming.
Red States vs Blue States?
The White House would prefer for Congress to legislate climate change. The House narrowly passed a cap-and-trade bill in June that would allow industry to buy and trade pollution permits, but it has stalled in the Senate.
That’s a start. But while the status of climate science is being hotly questioned, a moratorium should be enforced.
But really, some have begun to wonder whatever happened to the way we operated before…i.e. – what was so wrong about Superfund Cleanups?
read the rest of the story here: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/04/states-sue-epa-global-warming-ruling/
Scientists come to a conclusion: Asteroid killed the dinosaurs
http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/04/scientists-come-to-a-conclusion-asteroid-killed-the-dinosaurs/
[Yeah, tho that dirty word ‘consensus’ is being tossed around there too… – PickyMod]
Anthony, get well soon, because we all miss you already.
Extra sleep reduces severity of cold symptoms.
I’m not sure how to flag a moderator, but there is another magnetic filament on the Sun which I posted on the great filament thread, for the solar scientists to check out:
The Great Filament Part 2? There appears to be a new filament appearing in upper left on the Sun:
http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtime/eit_304/512/
Dr Svalgaard, Dr Evans, John Whitman and all you folks who know what you are talking about, can you please confirm?
Interesting, (beating my own drum here) that early in this thread I mentioned that there was a magnetic filament on the far side, which I think is what we are now seeing.
Thank you everybody
Skylurker Suranda
Just to throw something out to think about on a long weekend. In the US and Canada there is a law called civil RICO. Basically if there is a conspiracy to commit certain crimes by a bunch of folks acting in common, anyone effected can collect triple damages without having to obtain criminal convictions. I believe fraud is one of the keystone crimes. The players don’t even have to know it other, they just need to aid the conspiracy. It is something that needs to be looked at by a very good criminal lawyer, but it appears to me that we have now arrived at a point where enough instances of fruad to obtain public money could bring RICO into play. Love to hear from a good lawyer on what they think. Thanks.
reading material…
http://icecap.us/images/uploads/Gray_Rebuttal_to_Emanuel.pdf
Sunday paper in Sydney, Australia:
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/hot-air-and-the-rising-tide-of-doubt-buoys-climate-cynics-20100306-ppng.html
While this shows that 60% are still believers, there is a trend with 37% now don’t think AGW is real, compared with 21% last year.
Slowly, but things are on the improve!
Heres a direct link to the al gore picture.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/72050383.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1267903340&Signature=7FCtPKsYRiieuQvY4h2aXvEfbrk%3D
What you do here is very important and much appreciated.
I’m sorry to hear that you are ill and tired; you deserve a good rest. I hope that you get better very soon. I also hope that you can schedule time off every week; none of us is a machine. Perhaps one can act like one and have a proper time out for servicing!!!
Thankyou for what you have done.
Annei.
I have a suggestion for Anthony and the mods about something that should make killing the AGW idea totally. Post, in list form, ALL the things that can contribute to global climate. Begin with the sun, work down through orbital mechanics, chime in on all the natural effects, and end up with human activity – from forestry to crops to urban heat island. Don’t try to explain, just list. There’s not a “model” in the world that can deal with those complexities, and leaving out even ONE of them will give “scientists” false results.
BTW, Anthony, my oldest daughter’s pediatrician used to prescribe whiskey, honey, and lemon – and explained how and why it worked. Try it.
O.T. but I thought this article shows that large sums of public money were being spent nearly sixty years ago on the holy grail of ‘FREE’ energy. I got that ‘déjà vu’ feeling when browsing a Mechanix Illustrated mag dated June 1952. This article with its’ 48pt heading ‘SUPER-WINDMILLS’ on a background of giant 465foot steel towers topped with not one but three huge propeller driven generators scattered across a pristine mountain valley with a sub heading ‘Plans are being made to harness mankinds’ oldest and cheapest source of power for industry by means of huge aerogenerators’ grabbed my attention. The article by Frank Tinsley(is this gentleman still with us) is as follows
The next few years may see a decided change in the landscape of our country. In certain strategic places which promise a constant strong wind, such as mountain passes, will grow strange structures resembling the Martian machines of H.G.Wells. However these will be instruments of construction rather than destruction- tall steel towers supporting fans to convert wind energy into electrical power.
Members of the Congressional Interior & Insular Affairs Committee are enthusiastic ovr a new proposal to erect these machines. Introduced by Representative J.R.Murdoch, D.Ariz. chairman of the committee, a bill drawn up by the department of the Interior and endorsed by the Federal Power Commission authorizes a $2,750,000 government project to build a test aerogenerator(I think this equates to $27,000,000 at todays rate)
In 1941, a full scale instrument was built on a mountain top in Vermont and hooked up to the high tension system of the Central Public Service Corp. as an auxillary power source. Mounted on a 110ft tower, its’ twin 56ft blades were designed to develop 1,200 KW at a wind velocity of 30mph. Under favourable condtions, it actually developed 1,400KW. Although a practical success, structural and financial difficulties ended the experiment.
The newly proposed design is the product of years of research by Percy H. Thomas a well known power plant engineer formerly of the Federal Power Commission. Towering 475ft above the ground and equipped with a pair of three- bladed impellers, it operates automatically in a wind as light as 10mph. At its maximum required velocity of 28mph it delivers 7,500KW. During dangerously high winds the impeller blades can be feathered and braked to a halt. The structure is stressed to withstand hurricane velocities of up to 200mph. The plat is completely self contained with a central generator, converter, transformer, etc., mounted in a rotating housing atop the tower. The energy developed by the 150ft diameter impellers is transmitted to the generator through geared- up shafting. All parts of the plant are accessible for inspection and repair.
The techniques of modern airplane construction suggest the possibility of further development of this design. The use of light metals would lighten loads and relieve stresses. A central tubular elevator shaft would strengthen the structure, provide easier access to the operating head in foul weather and and act as a protected duct for the power lines. The addition of a third impeller unit would increase the power output by 50% while increasing the overall weight of the rotating head by 25%. Mounting small individual generators in each impeller nacelle not only balances the weight of the wheel but also eliminates weighty, vibration producing, shaft transmissions. Instead, simple power lines are led through the pylons and elevator shaft to the ground where the heavy elements of the plant are installed in a substantial building. This placement converters, transformers etc., materially lightens the structure.
Depending on the ever-changing wind, a single aerogenerator obviously cannot be relied upon for continuous or ‘firm’ power. However interconnected but scattered units can maintain a firm average output. Tests indicate that wind velocities ion given locations remain constant for 22 out of the 24 hours. This can be enhanced further by placing the aerogenerator groups in mountain passes where converging ranges funnel the wind flow in strong, steady venturi effect. Such groups operating as a free fuel auxilliary to established steam or hydroelectric systems, may supply up to 40% ofr the total utility power. During slack periods of consumption, this aeroenergy can pump used water back into reservoirs, thus storing power for future use. This means that in droughts, scarce water can be used to develop power over and over again.
AS compared with complicated steam power plants and the vast sums spent on hydroelectric dams and reservoirs, the first cost of the aerogenerator is modest. Even this would be considerably reduced by the limited mass production necessary to produce a moderate number of aerogenerator complexes. Once installed, operation costs are extremely low.
European experts working under the Marshall plan(I remember it well) have launched a research program to speed the harnessing of the wind for electricity. England is said to be three years ahead of us in development. Recently a German engineer entered the field with a proposal to build 1000ft wind towera to provide power for the industrialization of Schleswig-Holstein.
Russia led the world in aerogeneration development during the 1930’s buit like most other Red scientific projects its post war status is veiled by the Iron Curtain. In her desperate effort at industrialisation she may seize the lead again. Meanwhile, with Congress now alerted to the opportunity, we can hope that America is awakening to the possibilities of this great, free source of untapped power.
All I can comment is ‘The wheels of Congress do grind exceedingly slow’
Note to Moderator bin this if of no interest I sha’n’t be offended
Dear Anthony and Missus W, upon reading these wonderful posts, please know how much you are appreciated and loved!!
My own personal cold remedy is several shots of Czech slivovitz (plum brandy), aka “liquid fire.” This is based upon many years of peer-reviewed research and duplication of experiments.
And-a-one, and-a-two…”GET BETTER SOON!” We’ll hold down the fort!
Anyone know what happens when the AO/NAO correlation breaks down and goes into a major-league diversion?
The AO is going positive again
http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/precip/CWlink/daily_ao_index/ao.sprd2.gif
But the NAO is forecast to go down a bit over the next week or so
http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/precip/CWlink/pna/nao.sprd2.gif
What can a negative NAO do without the blocking of a negative AO?
Being one of the much-maligned pedants, I have offered (in the skeeter-zapper thread) to help proofread, and I’m sure other pedants and grammar police would, too. The problem we would face in this era of instant publishing is how to avoid being a roadblock in the face of onrushing posts.
In defense of pedantry and proofing, I will just note that, as a general rule, the less excuse you give the opposition to discount your words (e.g. “those guys can’t even spell”), the stronger your position. Given the flood since Climategate, that may not be practical, but it’s worth keeping in mind. And it goes for commenters, too.
I agree with brandy (cognac, if you can afford it) or rum for colds. Though my wife (a physician) says that alcohol inhibits the immune system. To which I respond, “Hit me again!”
/Mr Lynn
I know that this is OT, but worth a chuckle – just visited Realclimate to see what they are saying and there is a major grumble titled “The Guardian Disapoints”. How sad, the dear old Grauniad is frowned upon for attempting to be objective – wow!
MODERATOR: The sun is spotless for the first time in well over a month. Think a Guest Author could write an article about the sun’s current lack of activity? Be sure to also mention the Solar Wind decline, the continually low Ap/Kp indices, and the recent drop in 10.7 Radio Flux.
Don B,
My complete statement was “DMI Arctic ice extent is at it’s highest level on record.” – which is correct. I didn’t say :
“Arctic ice extent is the “highest level on record,””
as you suggested I did. I’m usually fairly precise with my wording, and would appreciate it if people don’t read anything more into what I am saying.
Inre: Internet Freedom
‘In order to please our European allies and our Third World critics, the Obama administration may be tempted to surrender one particular manifestation of American “dominance”: central management of key aspects of the Internet by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Other countries are pushing for more control. Early this year, British cabinet member Andy Burnham told the Daily Telegraph that he was “planning to negotiate with Barack Obama’s incoming American administration to draw up new international rules for English language websites.”
There are persistent proposals to break the connection between IANA and the U.S. government. In these schemes, IANA [the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority] would be directed by some international body, such as the United Nations or the International Telecommunication Union, which coordinates international phone networks.”
Perhaps most serious, control of Internet names could become a lever to impose restrictions on Internet content. Many governments already attempt to control speech on the Internet. Some years ago, Yahoo! was subject to criminal proceedings in France for allowing Nazi memorabilia to be auctioned on its website. Britain, Canada, and Australia all have mandatory nationwide blacklists of banned sites, managed by nongovernmental regulators with minimal political oversight.’
Inre: Internet freedom
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:
“We are also supporting the development of new tools that enable citizens to exercise their rights of free expression by circumventing politically motivated censorship. We are providing funds to groups around the world to make sure that those tools get to the people who need them in local languages, and with the training they need to access the internet safely. The United States has been assisting in these efforts for some time, with a focus on implementing these programs as efficiently and effectively as possible. Both the American people and nations that censor the internet should understand that our government is committed to helping promote internet freedom.
We want to put these tools in the hands of people who will use them to advance democracy and human rights, to fight climate change and epidemics, to build global support for President Obama’s goal of a world without nuclear weapons, to encourage sustainable economic development that lifts the people at the bottom up.
That’s why today I’m announcing that over the next year, we will work with partners in industry, academia, and nongovernmental organizations to establish a standing effort that will harness the power of connection technologies and apply them to our diplomatic goals. By relying on mobile phones, mapping applications, and other new tools, we can empower citizens and leverage our traditional diplomacy.”
http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2010/01/135519.htm
Inre: Internet freedom
“In an effort to show the world how inclusive, sharing, cooperative, and international America can be, the Obama administration set off on a plan to surrender control and key management of the Internet by the U.S. Department of Commerce and its agents.
The key to the control America has over the Internet is through the management of the Domain Name System (DNS) and the giant servers that service the Internet.
Domain names are managed through an entity named IANA, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. The IANA, which operates on behalf of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is responsible for the global coordination of the DNS, IP addressing, and other Internet protocol resources.
In short, without an IP Address or other essential Internet protocols, a person or entity would not have access to the Internet.
For years, the international community has been pressuring the United States
to surrender its control and management of the Internet. They want an international body such as the United Nations or even the International Telecommunications Union, (an entity that coordinates international telephone communications), to manage all aspects of the Internet in behalf of all nations.”
read more here
http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/obama-internet-iana-united/2010/01/31/id/348514
Hmmm. The last time Anthony took some time off and left Charles in charge, all hell broke loose. Just sayin’.
Get well; get rested; come back refreshed.
Open thread weekend — what a marvelous idea. Have these things more often so that you can recharge when you’re feeling good and not just when your batteries are drained. Use them to set time aside to take your wife out on a date, so that the last thing you check out before heading out is each other and not what’s happening on the blog.