Weather, Water, Energy 12-06-06

Some good news for a change. New research indicates that winds off the ocean in the Southern Hemisphere appear to be shifting even further south, pulling more CO2 and heat with them, evening global climate more than previous models predicted. Hence, some moderation in possible eventual temps. Sen. Inhofe (OK-REPUB) will undoubtedly use this as proof that global warming is a hoax, but be glad for it nonetheless as you hurl things at him. Or just hurl. . . . On the other hand, those winds must not be draining off enough. It's the warmest fall in three centuries in Britain and the Netherlands and in over 100 years in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Meaning, sun bathing instead of snow skiing. A French meteorologist says you'll "have to go to Siberia or Lapland" if you want freezing temps right now. . . . The weather's apparently gotten to European scientists. They're predicting a complete melting of the Arctic Ocean's ice field by 2080. Bye-bye, food chain. . . . Native American tribes are organizing to combat global warming and to bring the special perspectives of long-time indigenous people to this problem. . . . Jeez, my head hurts. I'm agreeing with Lou Dobbs again. Mainly it's a great tirade on the costs and waste of Iraq, but near the end he throws in how Europe's dependence on Middle East oil makes them think differently about geopolitics and the US only has a short time before it's in the same place if it doesn't get its energy house in order. Here's the best quote: "The half-trillion dollars that we have spent in precious capital to prosecute the war would have funded a massive alternative energy development program in this country or, failing that enlightened strategy, it would have at least paid for all of our oil imports for almost four years at current prices." Anyone kow where I can get a "Lou of Pres" bumper sticker? Owww. . . or some really good migraine medicine?