Sunday 12 August News Articles and Observations

Here are some recent articles from around Sunday 12 August and some brief observations on them.


A. Arctic Icecap Melting Much Faster Than Expected

This is a development that will be essential to follow in the coming years. One would have to guess the melt projections will continue to be underestimated and an exponential increase in open sea with a smaller permanent pack will be in the future, the near future. The full consequences of this dynamic change are difficult to quantify but at a minimum we are looking at increased sea levels, a decrease in winter temperature severity across the Northern Hemisphere, and changes in precipation types, patterns, and amounts. And Republicans and denying iconoclastic idiologues like Mike Rosen will have egg all over their faces and bodies.


http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/08/10/3105/


------


B. A Very. Very Bad Piece of Federal Legislation


The ramifications and applications of this new law are frightening and amount to a full attack on the Bill of Rights. But paranoia, fear, and unspoken agendae will keep it from being reversed or annulled unless a free thinking fearless judge acts otherwise. The Supreme Court will probably have the final say in 4-5 years and lets hope they are courageous enough to strike down this Bush Junta move towards Fascism.


http://writ.news.findlaw.com/dean/20070810.html


-----


C. A New Widespread Version of Payola


This practice needs to be banned as radio talk and news personalities should not be pushing or peddling any kind of products or services on the air. And Nadar had once again nailed the unethical, unseemly, and law bending General Motors Corporation, as he as successfully over the last four plus decades time and time again.


http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/08/11/3107/


-----


D. Minimum Wage Needs to Include Everybody


It is absolutely ridiculous and absurd that a subminimum wage is allowed to continue to exist for workers who also earns tips. The law is applied with great inconsistency and fail to take into account differences in regions and values. Paying these workers the minimum wage (or more)
is the right and ethical thing to do. Tips would then serve to allow them to be making a liveable wage and plan for the future and be more prepared for emergencies.


http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/08/10/3101/


-----


E. Romney May Be the Best GOP Presidential Nominee We Could Ask For


It is becoming more apparent that he is little more than a carbon copy of George W Bush and would exhibit the exact same kind of inept leadership and judgement if he were to be elected president as well. If he is nominated, Hillary for sure takes the oath on 20 January '09.


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/10/opinion/main3156300.shtml


http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/editorials/155


-----


F. The Collapsing Mortgage Scandal Stands to Worsen Seriously


From what I understand, between 2.5 and 3 million mortgages will go into foreclosure in the next year or so, with many in Sunbelt states like Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, California, New Mexico, Texas, and Florida.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070810/ap_on_bi_ge/toxic_mortgages;_ylt=ArtgmeAG9c_T3R51lQSVIgis0NUE


http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070812/D8QVN3P00.html

-----


G. Annual Perseid Meteor Shower Exciting, Thrilling to Behold


I have had an opportunity on several occasions to witness this astronomical spectacle and it is thoroughly wonderful to experience.


http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070811/D8QUL5R00.html


H. Brazil Shows Progress On Reducing Amazon Deforestation


This is very good news, but further progress and reductions are still needed and soon.


http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070810/D8QUEEA80.html


-----


I. Over 1000 New Records Set or Tied in Massive Heatwave This Last Week


This is particularly difficult in the Midwest and Southeast where there will be repercussions on the successful harvest of agricultural crops. For many people, Autumn cannot come soon enough...


http://www.nws.noaa.gov/view/validProds.php?prod=RER


http://twister.sbs.ohio-state.edu/text/severe/records/


-----