Record and Near Record Heat Across the West in August

The first reports of how hot it was in August across the West and the entire US are just starting to be released. So far, it has been determined Phoenix and Las Vegas had their hottest Augusts ever, and Denver, Albuqueerque, and Cheyenne had their second hottest ever. When more complete and additional information and data is released in the coming weeks, I will try to be on top of it and post here on the blog.


http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/psr/climate/annualMonthlyRcdsPHX.php?wfo=psr


http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/vef/afd.php?sid=vef&pil=pns&pvnum=5


http://www.srh.noaa.gov/abq/climate/Monthlyreports/August/2007/MonSummary4ABQ.php


http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bou/include/showProduct.php?product=summary.txt

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Tuesday 4 September News Articles and Observations

Here are a few news articles from Tuesday 4 September and some brief observations on them.


A. Arctic Ocean to be Ice Free in 20 Years


Recent scientific research indicates what we considered impossible only recently to be now probable: a largely ice free Arctic Ocean and North Pole in the summer months within about 20 years. This development is mind boggling, but the bigger shocking realization is what other giant changes in the climate await us within the next generation that ultimately mean a completely different way of life for mankind everywhere on the planet.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/sep/04/climatechange


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B. A Long Overdue Call for a Legislative Repeal


The Taft-Hartley Act, passed in 1947, has seriously tilted the working field towards employers and corporations. It is long past due having it repealed, and lets hope we have a Congress and President willing to take this step in 2009.


http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/09/04/3600/


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C. Additional Reflections on Labor Day


One day soon, this holiday and its honoring of working people will regain its historical significance again.


http://makethemaccountable.com/index.php/2007/09/03/david-podvin-labor-day/


http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=a_world_without_teacher_unions


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/02/AR2007090200955.html


http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2007/09/03/labors_failure/


http://www.alternet.org/workplace/61122/

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D. Book Recommendation


http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/Books/article/252778


http://www.amazon.com/dp/0805079831?tag=commondreams-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0805079831&adid=0TRK9CG1YFQAP480JKX0&


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E. Who are the Best Presidential Candidates When it Comes to Conservation and Environmentalism?


This survey done by the League of Conservation Voters provides some insight.


http://www.commondreams.org/news2007/0904-09.htm


http://presidentialprofiles2008.org/


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F. Colonel Paul Hughes, American Hero


And there a lot more people like him serving our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere, making sacrifices and devoting their lives to their nation and fellow citizens.


http://wingsofjustice.com/07/09/woj07036.html


http://www.noendinsightmovie.com/


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G. Travel Rights Restrictions Now In Place For Many


I will not be flying on a commercial airfight anytime soon for one more additional reason.


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H. From the Pages of the Utterly Ridiculous !


This is truly unbelievable and complete nonsense !


http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4024974&GT1=10365


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I. Anti-Gay Zealots Zero In on Four More Closet Gay Republicans in Congress


The allegations even concern one of the Senate leaders, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, whose record is parallel to that of former Idaho Senator Larry Craig.


http://www.pensitoreview.com/2007/09/04/four-more-gop-outings-could-be-in-the-offing/


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J. And the Kids Keep on Coming Back and Winning

The Colorado Rockies fell behind San Francisco tonight 5-1, but rallied with another comeback to win 6-5, scoring the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Colorado has Major League Baseball's best team ERA since the All-Star Break and the young pitchers, particularly the bullpen, are really doing a wonderful job. With the batting, power, and bench, this club is looking very good. Colorado is 72-66, six games over .500 for the first time this season, and four games behind San Diego and Arizona for both the division lead and the wildcard. And Jake Peavy will pitch on three days rest for the Padres against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday which means the Rockies will not have to face him this weekend in their upcoming series. Go Rockies ! Keep the Pennant Run going !!

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K. Probably the Best Ticket for 2008


But it would seem a longshot even if there is some significant development somewhere with one of the frontrunners.


http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/09/04/3597/


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L. An Argument Worth Listening To


http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/60959/


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M. High Speed Train Travel Between London and Paris


It would be wonderful someday to see the same thing here in the US, offering connections across the nation between major metro areas and population centers. One day, I hope to travel personally on this Eurostar train, or at least meet and talk to someone who has.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6977211.stm


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